Economy
Revenue: IMF asks FG to impose fuel, telecom taxes
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The International Monetary Fund has recommended introducing taxes on fuel products and telecommunications services in Nigeria as part of broader measures to increase government revenue and create fiscal space for development spending and social interventions.
The recommendation was contained in the IMF’s 2026 Article IV Consultation report on Nigeria, where the Fund argued that additional tax measures would be needed over the medium term despite the recent overhaul of the country’s tax system.
“Further tax policy changes will likely be needed—such as increasing the VAT rate, extending VAT to fuel products, rationalising tax expenditures in particular VAT exemptions on extractive industries and some customs duties, and introducing telecom excises—to complement administrative gains,” the IMF said.
The Washington-based institution, however, cautioned that the timing of any new taxes must take into account Nigeria’s rising poverty levels and worsening food insecurity.
“The timing of reforms must consider the poverty and food insecurity situation and ensure that the cash transfer system is in place and funded,” the Fund added.
The recommendation is likely to trigger fresh debate across the country, given the sensitivity surrounding fuel prices and telecommunications costs.
A previous attempt by the Federal Government to introduce a five per cent excise duty on telecom services faced widespread opposition from operators, subscribers and consumer advocacy groups before it was eventually suspended and later scrapped.
Telecommunications companies had argued that the sector was already burdened by multiple taxes, rising energy costs, foreign exchange pressures and infrastructure challenges, warning that any additional levy would ultimately be passed on to consumers through higher call and data charges.
Similarly, proposals linked to fuel taxation have generated opposition from labour unions and private sector groups amid concerns over rising living costs following the removal of petrol subsidies and increases in transport and food prices.
The IMF’s latest recommendation comes as it projects that Nigeria will need stronger revenue mobilisation efforts to sustain planned increases in public spending and support vulnerable households.
According to the report, revenue-enhancing tax policies could generate additional revenues equivalent to 3.9 per cent of Gross Domestic Product within three years of implementation. The Fund identified a two-percentage-point increase in the Value Added Tax rate as the single largest contributor, with an estimated revenue gain of 0.8 per cent of GDP.
It also projected that removing pioneer status incentives and revising free zone regulations would generate another 0.7 per cent of GDP, while reforms to capital gains taxation and adjustments to personal income tax bands, allowances and rates would each contribute 0.6 per cent of GDP.
The IMF further estimated that a top-up tax on multinationals and large firms could raise 0.5 per cent of GDP, while rationalising investment allowances would add another 0.4 per cent.
Notably, the category labelled “others”, which includes telecom excise duties and other measures such as a carbon tax on fuel, was projected to contribute an additional 0.4 per cent of GDP in revenue gains.
Beyond new tax measures, the Fund said Nigeria could generate even larger gains through stronger tax administration.
It projected that administrative reforms would yield an additional 3.1 per cent of GDP through improved compliance, enforcement and efforts to reduce informality in the economy.
According to the report, measures such as fiscalisation, electronic invoicing and cross-validation of tax deductions could generate 1.5 per cent of GDP, while expanded tax identification registration and consolidation of taxpayer databases could contribute another 1.6 per cent of GDP.
The IMF acknowledged that some of Nigeria’s recently enacted tax reforms would reduce government revenue in the short term because they were designed to support households and small businesses.
It estimated that revenue-reducing measures would lower revenues by 2.4 per cent of GDP, with expanded VAT input credits, additional zero-rated items and broader exemptions on basic consumption goods accounting for 1.7 percentage points.
Lower corporate income tax obligations for smaller firms would reduce revenues by 0.4 per cent of GDP, while lower personal income tax rates and expanded exemptions for low-income earners would account for another 0.3 percentage point reduction.
Overall, the IMF projected that the combined impact of revenue-enhancing measures, administrative reforms and revenue-reducing policies would result in a net increase in government revenue equivalent to 4.6 per cent of GDP over the medium term.
The Fund argued that stronger revenue mobilisation had become increasingly important because Nigeria’s fiscal position remained under pressure despite recent reforms.
Economy
Oyedele Delivers ₦39.63bn Lifeline to 24,814 Pensioners as PTAD Clears Long-Standing DBS Liabilities
L:R: Director General of PTAD, Mrs Tolulope Odunaiya in a warm handshake with the Minister of Finance, Mr Taiwo Oyedele in Abuja.
The Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, has reaffirmed his commitment to improving the welfare of Nigerian pensioners with the successful disbursement of ₦39.63 billion to 24,814 eligible Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS) pensioners, ending years of anxious waiting for thousands of retirees.
Working under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Finance, the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) carried out the payments following the Minister’s directive to prioritise the settlement of verified pension liabilities, bringing relief to beneficiaries across the country.
Mr. Oyedele said the payment reflects the administration’s determination to ensure that retired public servants receive the benefits they earned through decades of dedicated service.
“A nation that values service must also honour those who gave their productive years in its service. This payment is about people, not just figures. It is about restoring confidence, rewarding sacrifice and giving thousands of pensioners and their families the reassurance that they have not been forgotten.”
The Minister explained that the disbursement covered three categories of outstanding pension obligations that had accumulated over the years.
According to him, PTAD paid ₦25,053,703,604.12 to clear the outstanding 35-month pension liability owed to 9,675 eligible Defined Benefit Scheme pensioners of the defunct NITEL/MTEL.
The Directorate also disbursed ₦9,481,886,576.53, representing the initial 50 per cent payment of the Back End Computation (BEC) arrears due to 3,959 eligible PHCN Defined Benefit Scheme pensioners.
In addition, PTAD paid ₦5,094,784,054.27, representing the outstanding 50 per cent balance of the 10.66 per cent and 12.95 per cent pension increment arrears due to 11,180 eligible Defined Benefit Scheme pensioners of the defunct Assurance Bank, NICON Insurance, NITEL and People’s Bank of Nigeria.
For many of the beneficiaries, the payments mark the end of years of uncertainty. They provide the means to meet pressing family needs, pay medical bills, support loved ones and enjoy retirement with greater peace of mind.
Mr. Oyedele said government remains mindful of the real lives behind every pension payment.
“Behind every approved payment is a retiree who served this country faithfully, a family that has waited patiently and a story that deserves a positive ending. We will continue to support measures that improve the lives of our senior citizens while maintaining fiscal discipline and accountability.”
The Minister commended the management and staff of PTAD for the prompt implementation of the directive, describing the successful disbursement as evidence of what can be achieved when institutions work together in the public interest.
“PTAD has demonstrated professionalism in implementing this exercise. The Ministry will continue to provide the policy direction and support required to strengthen pension administration and ensure that verified obligations are settled as resources become available.”
The Director-General of PTAD, Mrs. Tolulope Odunaiya, said the Directorate remained focused on delivering efficient pension administration and expressed appreciation to the Honourable Minister for his leadership and support, which made the release and prompt disbursement of the funds possible.
The latest payment represents another important step in the Federal Government’s efforts to improve the welfare of retirees and ensure that public institutions deliver meaningful outcomes for Nigerians under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Black Market Dollar-to-Naira Exchange Rate for 3rd July 2026 Can Be Accessed Below.
NOTE: The exchange rate changes hourly. It depends on the volume of dollars available and the Demand. This means…you can buy or sell 1 dollar at a certain rate, and the price can change (high or low) within hours.
The official naira black market exchange rate in Nigeria today, including the Black Market rates, Bureau De Change (BDC), and CBN rates.
Please note that the exchange rate is subject to hourly fluctuations influenced by the supply and demand of dollars in the market.
What’s the dollar to naira black market today, 3rd July 2026?
The exchange rate for a dollar to naira at Lagos Parallel Market (Black Market) players sell a dollar for ₦1408 and buy at ₦1396 on Friday, 3rd July, 2026, according to sources at Bureau De Change (BDC).
Please note that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) does not recognize the parallel market (black market), as it has directed individuals who want to engage in Forex to approach their respective banks.
Dollar to Naira Black Market Rate Today
Dollar to Naira (USD to NGN) Black Market Exchange Rate Today
Selling Rate ₦1408
Buying Rate ₦1396
Dollar to Naira CBN Rate Today
Dollar to Naira (USD to NGN) CBN Rate Today
Highest Rate ₦1373
Lowest Rate ₦1360
The Black Market Dollar-to-Naira Exchange Rate for 1st July 2026 Can Be Accessed Below.
NOTE: The exchange rate changes hourly. It depends on the volume of dollars available and the Demand. This means…you can buy or sell 1 dollar at a certain rate, and the price can change (high or low) within hours.
The official naira black market exchange rate in Nigeria today, including the Black Market rates, Bureau De Change (BDC), and CBN rates.
Please note that the exchange rate is subject to hourly fluctuations influenced by the supply and demand of dollars in the market.
What’s the dollar to naira black market today, 1st July 2026?
The exchange rate for a dollar to naira at Lagos Parallel Market (Black Market) players sell a dollar for ₦1400 and buy at ₦1390 on Wednesday, 1st July, 2026, according to sources at Bureau De Change (BDC).
Please note that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) does not recognize the parallel market (black market), as it has directed individuals who want to engage in Forex to approach their respective banks.
Dollar to Naira Black Market Rate Today
Dollar to Naira (USD to NGN) Black Market Exchange Rate Today
Selling Rate ₦1400
Buying Rate ₦1390
Dollar to Naira CBN Rate Today
Dollar to Naira (USD to NGN) CBN Rate Today
Highest Rate ₦1385
Lowest Rate ₦1376
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