In response to the growing outcry from telecommunication subscribers in Nigeria, the National Association of Telecoms Subscribers (NATCOMS) plans to petition the National Assembly regarding the Federal Government’s renewed attempt to impose a five per cent excise duty on telecommunications services.
The group is scheduled to meet on Wednesday to finalize arrangements for the petition, which seeks to halt legislative approval of the controversial tax while the issue remains unresolved in court.
The legal challenge against the excise duty is currently ongoing at the Lagos Division of the Federal High Court, with the case adjourned until March 13, 2025.
NATCOMS President, Adeolu Ogunbanjo, disclosed this development on Monday during a press briefing, stressing the urgency of notifying lawmakers about the pending legal proceedings.
According to Ogunbanjo, the Federal Government should await the court’s judgment before proceeding with any implementation of the tax, as premature action would disregard due process.
“We are meeting this Wednesday to finalize the arrangement to write to the National Assembly. If we fail to inform them about the ongoing court case, the Assembly might unknowingly pass the bill into law. That would be disastrous for subscribers and the industry,” he stated.
NATCOMS has criticized the proposed tax as excessive and insensitive. Ogunbanjo explained, “Telecom services are already subjected to over 40 different taxes. Adding this will only increase the burden on subscribers.”
The National Secretary and Legal Adviser of NATCOMS, Bayo Omotubora, echoed this sentiment, arguing that the excise duty amounts to double taxation and places undue strain on consumers.
