Tinubu Suspends Tax On Telecom Services; Okays Four Executive Orders

VOICE AIR MEDIA News Update

President Bola Tinubu has approved the suspension of five percent Excise Tax on telecommunication services in Nigeria.

The President also approved the suspension of Excise Duties escalation on locally manufactured products in the country.

Speaking with State House Correspondents on Thursday, in Abuja, Special Adviser to the President on Special Duties, Communication and Strategy, Dele Alake, said the suspension were parts of four Executive Orders signed by the President.

Alake said the decision was taken to reduce the suffering of Nigerians, especially in the area of multiple taxation, as well as creating a more friendly environment for both local and foreign businessmen.

Among the Executive Orders signed into law by the President include the Finance Act (Effective Date Variation) Order, 2023, has now deferred the commencement date of the changes contained in the Act from May 23, 2023 to September 1, 2023.

This is to ensure adherence to the 90 days minimum advance notice for tax changes as contained in the 2017 National Tax Policy.

The second Order involves the Customs, Excise Tariff (Variation) Amendment Order, 2023.

Alake said this has shifted the commencement date of the tax changes from March 27, 2023, to August 1, 2023, and also in line with the National Tax Policy.

“Further to his commitment to creating a business-friendly environment, the President has ordered the suspension of the newly introduced Green Tax by way of Excise Tax on Single Use Plastics, including plastic containers and bottles.

“In addition, the President has ordered the suspension of Import Tax Adjustment levy on certain vehicles.

“As a listening leader, the President issued these orders to ameliorate the negative impacts of the tax adjustments on businesses and chokehold on households across affected sectors.

“His Excellency will not exacerbate the plight of Nigerians”, he said.