The debate over the proposed 5% excise duty on telecommunications has resurfaced, with some confusion about who should be credited for its removal. Let’s clarify the timeline and facts.
Pantami’s Role Under President Buhari
In 2022, when the idea of a 5% excise duty on telecom services first emerged, then Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Pantami, strongly opposed it.
He successfully made a case to President Muhammadu Buhari, who approved the removal of the tax. This was a positive move that was rightly commended at the time.
Reintroduction in 2024 Tax Bills
Fast forward to early 2024: the National Assembly once again proposed the same 5% excise duty in the draft of the tax reforms bill. This was essentially a reintroduction of the levy that had previously been set aside under President Buhari.
President Tinubu’s Intervention
During a media engagement this week, Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, clarified the current administration’s position. He noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu did not allow the reintroduced 5% excise duty to make it into the final version of the tax laws that have now been passed.
It’s important to state clearly:
Yes, under President Buhari, Prof. Pantami played a commendable role in ensuring the 5% telecom tax was removed.
However, in 2024, when the levy resurfaced in the National Assembly’s draft bills, it was President Tinubu who ensured it was struck out once again.
Both administrations deserve recognition for protecting telecom users from this additional burden. This is not a contest of credit, but rather a shared win for Nigerians, particularly the telecommunications industry.
