Telecom
Subscribers, Telcos Kick as FG Slams 5 Percent Tax on Calls and Data
Federal government has slammed additional five per cent excise duty, that the telecom subscriber pays, which is different from the cost of voice call..
This was disclosed yesterday at a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja, organised by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
Mr. Zainab Ahmed, minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, was represented by Musa Umar, assistant director, Tax Policy, Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning, while Frank Oshanipin, assistant chief officer in the ministry, did the ministry’s presentation.
But the Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), and National Association of Telecoms Subscribers (NATCOMS), have described the move as strange, insensitive, and irresponsible.
However, minister of Finance, Budget, and Planning, at the event, urged stakeholders to support the implementation of the 5 percent exercise duty on telecommunications services.
She highlighted that countries in Africa like Malawi, Uganda, Tanzania, and others have all keyed into this revenue generation pattern.
She emphasised that this is needed to change Nigeria’s economic situation for good.
“The issue of revenue is not something that needs to be shied away from, our revenue can no longer take care of our needs as a country.
“Also Nigeria is no longer making enough money in Oil revenue hence the attention is shifting to Non-revenue”.
She explained that the government is committed towards implementing the regulation in a seamless manner that will not affect Nigerians.
Earlier, in his remark, Prof Umar Danbatta, executive vice chairman/CEO NCC, said the forum is necessitated for stakeholders to get better clarifications on the 5% exercise duty on telecom services implementation.
“As the telecoms industry regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission has engaged with the Federal Ministry of Finance, the Nigerian Customs Service, and consultants from the World Bank to get needed clarifications.
“These engagements enabled us to better understand the objectives and proposed implementation mechanisms of the Excise Duty.
“Nonetheless, we consider it imperative that these implementing agencies should also meet directly with telecoms industry stakeholders to address areas of concern”, he stated.
On his part, Hameed Ali, comptroller general of the Nigerian Customs Service, urged stakeholders to be patriotic toward implementing the policy.
Hameed represented by Mrs A.S Oshishi, assistant comptroller general NCS, revealed that telecommunications operators are expected to be dully registered with the service for seamless actualization of the process.
“Either to pass the cost to consumer or capture it in an appropriation. The payment is to be made in arrears, on the 21st of every month”, he stated.
Reacting to the development, Engr Gbenga Adebayo, chairman, ALTON, insisted that the new tax burden would be passed to subscribers.
“It is a strange move, it appears a bit unusual. exercise duty is supposed to be apportioned to goods and products, but we are surprised this is on Services.
“We will continue to support the government but ALTON, won’t be able to subsidy this on behalf of subscribers in addition to the 7.5% VAT making it 12.5% payable by subscribers to the federal government.
“We currently pay a lot of taxes, running into 39 of them, so we can add more to our existing burden. We won’t be able to absolve this on behalf of subscribers.
“The 5% Excise Duty will be paid by the subscribers. It will collected by the operators on all voice and data services including OTT and remitted to the Nigerians Customs”, he stated.
Elsewhere, Engr Ken Nnamani president of ATCON, said, “the proposed exercise duty do not comply with principle of taxation, fairness, certainty, convenience and efficiency”.
Nnamani represented by Mr Ajibola Olude, ATCON executive secretary, said FG has continued to turn a blind eye to the issue of foreign exchange, others challenges facing telecom operators in Nigeria.
He added that the telecom industry is bleeding yet the federal government want to exacerbate the plight of operators with additional taxation.
He appealed that the implementation of the exercise duty should be stepped down because many youths in Nigeria will lose their jobs.
He advised that the government should channel its efforts to developing other sectors.
Similarly, Chief Deolu Ogunbajo, president, National Association of Telecoms Subscribers (NATCOMS), said the government’s action is insensitivity and ill-timed.
“It is unfortunate that 5 percent exercise duty is coming again together with other 38 taxes.
He said, other countries in Africa paying 5% tax on telecommunications services do not have 39 others taxes.
In his words, “this is insensitivity, and irresponsible. Government should not kill the telecom industry”.
9mobile, telecommunications operator, has described as untrue the rumors suggesting that it has shut down its operations.
according to the telcos, these claims are entirely baseless and aimed at causing unnecessary panic among our valued subscribers, the mobile operator said in a statement.
“We understand that some customers have recently faced challenges, particularly with Mobile Number Portability (MNP), a service that enables seamless network switching.
“We want to clarify that 9mobile has never restricted customers from porting to other networks. We remain fully compliant with industry regulations and committed to delivering fair, transparent, and customer-focused services.
“While there have been temporary technical challenges affecting MNP, these issues have now been largely resolved. Some minor delays may still occur due to ongoing system optimizations, but we are actively working to ensure a smoother experience for all users.
“As a proudly Nigerian brand, we embody the resilient spirit of our people and remain steadfast in our commitment to overcoming challenges. We acknowledge the temporary service disruptions some customers may have experienced in different locations.
“However, we assure you that these disruptions are part of a broader transformation effort aimed at modernizing our infrastructure and improving overall service quality.
“Our ongoing investments in network upgrades and service expansion will soon yield significant improvements, ensuring reliable connectivity for individuals, businesses, and communities.
“We sincerely appreciate the patience and loyalty of our subscribers during this transition. While challenges exist, we are making significant progress and are confident that brighter days are ahead. We remain dedicated to providing exceptional service and keeping you connected to limitless opportunities”.
Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has initiated an investigation into the data processing practices of Tiktok and Truecaller, following growing concerns about potential privacy violations.
Dr. Vincent Olatunji, the Chief Executive Officer of the NDPC, made the announcement today during a press conference in Abuja, where he also revealed the issuance of the Nigeria Data Protection Act – General Application and implementation directive (NDPC Act – GAID), 2025.
Dr Olatunji stated that the commission’s primary concern is how these platforms manage Nigerian users’ personal data, including potential breaches of consent, data sharing with third parties, and overall compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA), 2023. He confirmed that the NDPC is actively investigating Tiktok and Truecaller’s data processing activities to ensure they comply with Nigeria’s data protection laws.
“The goal is to safeguard the privacy rights of Nigerians and hold organizations accountable for how they collect, store, and use personal data,” he added.
This investigation comes amid increasing scrutiny of global tech companies regarding data privacy, especially concerning how personal information is processed, stored, and transmitted beyond national borders.
The NDPC act – GAID, 2025, issued today, provides a detailed framework for implementing Nigeria’s data protection law, outlining compliance guidelines, enforcement mechanisms, and obligations for both public and private organizations.
Dr Olatunji emphasized that the directive aims to strengthen Nigeria’s digital economy by fostering trust in data governance while ensuring individuals’ rights to privacy are respected in accordance with international best practices.
He reiterated that companies operating in Nigeria must comply with the country’s data protection regulations or face regulatory actions, including fines and potential restrictions.
The NDPC has urged the public to report any data privacy violations and reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and due process in its investigations.
The commission noted that reporting data breaches has become more accessible through dedicated channels on its official website.
In a resounding commitment to bridging gender digital divide, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs (FMWA), has taken a decisive step toward closing the gender digital divide by presenting the National Gender Digital Inclusion Strategy (NGDIS) at the United Nations 69th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69). Themed “Digital Harmony: Advancing Gender Inclusion by Empowering Women and Children for a Secure Digital Future,” the high-level event reinforced Nigeria’s commitment to fostering equitable access to digital technology, online safety, and economic empowerment for women and children.
L-R: Esther Eghobamien-Mshelis – President of UN CEDAW, Iklima Musa – Special Assistant to the Director General of NITDA, Noimot Salako – Deputy Governor Ogun state, Maryam Ciroma – former minster of women affairs, Imaan Sulaiman- Minister of Women Affairs, Josephine Anenih – former Minister of women affairs and Dr Maryam Keshinro – Permanent Secretary – Ministry of Women Affairs at the United Nations 69th Session.
Speaking at the event, Iklima Musa Salihu, Special Assistant to the Director General on Strategic Partnerships, presented the strategy, emphasizing NITDA’s role in driving digital transformation and creating opportunities for women and girls to actively participate in the digital economy.
The NGDIS, developed in alignment with Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 5 and 8, seeks to remove barriers to digital inclusion by expanding access to digital skills training, infrastructure, and mentorship opportunities for women and girls.
Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director General of NITDA as represented by the SA, in his special remarks reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to ensuring that Nigeria’s digital transformation is inclusive and equitable, highlighting NGDIS as a game-changer in achieving gender parity in the digital space.
He noted that the framework prioritizes digital literacy, entrepreneurship, safety, and gender-responsive policies to accelerate women’s participation in Nigeria’s growing digital economy.
The NGDIS is built on five core pillars that will drive women’s access, participation, and leadership in the digital ecosystem. It seeks to expand digital literacy and skills by ensuring at least 40% female participation in all national training initiatives.
Recognizing the role of women in Nigeria’s innovation and entrepreneurship landscape, the strategy emphasizes access to funding, mentorship, and technical assistance for female-led startups, leveraging the Nigeria Startup Act to increase financial and institutional support for women in the tech ecosystem. With 58% of young women globally experiencing online harassment, the NGDIS prioritizes online safety and cybersecurity awareness.
Speaking at the event, Minister of Women Affairs, Honourable Imaan Sulaiman, FSI, underscored the urgent need for action in tackling gender disparities in digital access.
She revealed alarming statistics that demonstrate the stark reality of the digital divide in Nigeria, highlighting that 68% of Nigerian women do not own smartphones, making it difficult for them to access online services and economic opportunities.
She stressed that this divide extends beyond access, as women and children face significant online risks, including cyber harassment, digital gender-based violence, and exclusion from the rapidly growing tech-driven economy.
She called for the swift implementation of the National Gender Digital Inclusion Strategy (NGDIS) 2024-2027, which seeks to remove the structural barriers that prevent women from fully engaging in the digital economy.
She emphasized the need for strong legal frameworks that would accelerate action in promoting digital literacy, providing safe online spaces, and empowering women to thrive in technology-driven industries.
She reaffirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is committed to creating an inclusive digital future where no woman or child is left behind.
She urged all stakeholders to work together to transform digital access and security for women and children, making technology a tool for empowerment rather than exclusion.
As the world embraces the Fourth Industrial Revolution, NITDA in collaboration with stakeholders is taking bold and strategic steps to ensure that women and girls are not only participants but also leaders in the digital transformation journey.
The National Gender Digital Inclusion Strategy is a blueprint for action, providing a clear framework for accelerating digital inclusion, fostering entrepreneurship, and strengthening online safety for Nigerian women and children.
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