The federal government has suspended its planned implementation of 5 per cent excise duty on telecommunications services. The suspension was announced by the minister of communications and digital economy, Isa Pantami, on Monday during the inaugural meeting of the Presidential Committee on Excise Duty for the Digital Economy Sector in Abuja.
The minister who had earlier rejected the proposed tax noted that the telecommunications sector is already overburdened by excessive and multiple taxations.
The federal government through the Budget Office of the Federation had earlier revealed that it would begin the implementation of its proposed excise duties on telecommunication services and beverages in 2023. However, Pantami faulted the timing and process of imposing the tax on the industry, arguing that part of the responsibility of responsive government is not to increase the problems of the citizens.
Speaking at a recent forum in Lagos, Pantami said, “I have not been contacted officially. If we are, we surely will state our case. The sector that contributes to the economy should be encouraged. You introduce excise duty to discourage luxury goods like alcohol. Broadband is a necessity!
“If you look at it carefully the sector contributes 2 per cent excise duty, 7.5 per cent VAT to the economy and you want to add, more,” he added.
Pantami faulted the lawmaking process that produced the “harsh” tax because it didn’t involve the Chairman of the House Committee on Communications, adding “so we reject it.”
The minister said the ministry would take further steps apart from the public rejection of the 5 per cent tax.
“We will explore other means to reverse it! As a minister, based on the Provision of the Constitution of Nigeria, Section 148, we are exercising the powers of Mr. President. That is what the constitution says. At least, I am a major stakeholder, when VAT was increased to 7.5 per cent, I was not consulted. I only heard the announcement and I think there is something questionable. I am glad that we are on the same page with our National Assembly members that are here. They have not been consulted and they are part of the committees. So, maybe beyond making our position known, we would go behind the scene and go against any policy that will destroy the digital economy sector. This is a sector, which we cherish and will go to any lengths to legitimately and legally to defend its interest,” Pantami stressed.
With the announcement of the suspension of the tax coming from the Communications Minister, it is unclear yet if the decision has the buy-in of the Budget Office and the minister of finance, who announced the commencement of the tax implementation from next year.
