Nigeria scraps the 5% telecom tax on calls and data, easing costs for millions and spurring growth in the digital economy.
The tax which was introduced under former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2022, was created to boost government revenue amid falling oil earnings.
This Levy applied to both data and voice services but drew strong criticism from telecom operators and consumer groups, who warned it would worsen living costs and halt growth in the sector.
Announcing the reversal on Thursday, the National Orientation Agency cited statements from Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
Dr. Maida said President Bola Tinubu personally directed the removal of the tax during consultations on the recently passed Finance Act.
According to the NCC, this decision will benefit more than 171 million active mobile subscribers nationwide as many had faced a 50% tariff hike earlier this year, making the removal of the duty a major relief.
Industry experts welcomed the policy shift, saying it is like a catalyst for increased mobile usage, digital inclusion, and renewed investment in the telecom sector.
“This is a positive step for both consumers and operators. Cutting unnecessary taxes will stimulate more investment in digital services,” said an independent telecom analyst.
Government officials say the move reflects a broader effort to reduce financial strain on citizens while promoting growth in Nigeria’s digital economy.
