Tinubu Scraps Telecom Tax, NCC Launches New Reforms to Ease Digital Access for Millions

In a major policy shift, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has permanently abolished the 5% excise duty on telecommunications services across Nigeria—bringing much-needed relief to over 172 million mobile and internet subscribers.

The announcement came on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, through the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, during a press briefing in Abuja. While the tax had previously been suspended, President Tinubu has now ordered its complete removal as part of broader efforts to reform Nigeria’s tax structure.

Dr. Maida confirmed that the president firmly opposed any attempts to reintroduce the levy, stating it would only add to the financial burden on citizens. He praised the decision, which has now been codified into law, describing it as a clear indication of Tinubu’s dedication to easing economic hardship and promoting digital inclusion.

Initially introduced by the previous administration, the telecom tax drew widespread backlash from industry stakeholders and consumers who argued it stifled economic activity and increased the cost of communication.

Alongside the tax removal, the NCC also announced several new consumer-centric initiatives aimed at improving transparency and service delivery in the telecom sector. These include the rollout of a public network performance map in September, enabling users to track internet speed, latency, and reliability in real-time.

Additional reforms involve the conclusion of the NIN-SIM audit, resolution of USSD debt issues, and the launch of a Major Incident Reporting Portal to enhance industry accountability.

Responding to persistent complaints about rapid data consumption, Maida clarified that independent audits of telecom billing systems revealed no foul play. He attributed fast data usage to mobile apps running in the background, device configurations, and complex pricing structures. To tackle this, the NCC is educating consumers with practical tips for better data management, while also urging media outlets to spread awareness of its consumer protection campaigns.

With over 141 million internet users and 105 million broadband subscribers, Nigeria’s telecom sector is set to benefit from increased affordability and expanded digital access—boosting innovation and strengthening the country’s position in the global digital economy.