Tax On Calls: “Complain To FIRS”, Minister Of Communications Tells Nigerians

Isa Pantami and Abike Dabiri-Erewa fight
The Nigerian Minister of Communications Isa Pantami has told Nigerians to direct their complaints on the increased value-added tax VAT on calls and text messages to the Federal Inland Revenue Services FIRS.
The increase was implemented by the Nigerian Telecommunications companies after the newly introduced 7.5 percent VAT kicked off on Saturday 1st February. Nigerians have then seized every avenue they have to raise their voices the Minister of Communications who, unfortunately, cannot help.VAT On Calls: "Complain To FIRS", Minister Of Communications Tells Nigerians
Isa Pantami, in a statement issued by his media aide Mrs. Uwa Suleiman to address the complaints, said that the ministry is not mandated to handle tax issues and so, he cannot intervene. He then
The office of the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami) has been inundated with complaints and enquiries concerning the recent 7.5 percent VAT deductions on voice calls and text messages by some Mobile Network Operators (MNOs). While we appreciate the support and efforts of well-meaning Nigerians who have sought clarifications in a civil manner, we wish to inform the general public that the issues of VAT, do not fall under the ministry’s purview.
Read also: FG Considers Imposing Excise Tax On Soft Drinks
The office of the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy is not mandated to handle VAT. In the same vein, we also wish to notify the general public that contrary to popular opinion in some quarters, the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy had no prior consultation or awareness about the development. All further enquiries and clarifications may henceforth be directed to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), being the proper institution for tax matters.
VAT On Calls: "Complain To FIRS", Minister Of Communications Tells Nigerians
Telecommunications companies increased tax on calls and text messages
Photos Credit: Getty

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