ABUJA — June 15, 2026 — The International Monetary Fund has called on the Federal Government to introduce fresh taxes on fuel, phone calls, and mobile data as part of its 2026 Article IV Consultation report.
The IMF recommends extending Value-Added Tax to fuel products, introducing excise duties on telecommunications, and raising the overall VAT rate. It also wants a review of existing tax exemptions.
According to the Fund, the measures could boost Nigeria’s revenue by 3.9% of GDP over the next 3 years. But it warned the FG must “carefully consider worsening poverty” before implementation.
The proposal has triggered immediate backlash online. Nigerians are slamming the IMF as “slave masters” and branding President Tinubu a “tax collector”. Many argue new levies will deepen hardship amid rising transport costs and soaring rents.
No official response yet from the Federal Ministry of Finance or the Presidency.
