The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ali-Pantami has distanced himself from being behind the 7.5% Value Added Tax, VAT, deductions on voice calls and messages, saying that the law does not fall within his ministry’s purview.
In a statement on Thursday, the minister’s spokesperson, Uwa Suleiman, said Mr Pantami had no prior consultation or awareness about the development.
The minister, therefore, urged the general public to direct their queries and clarifications to the Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, being the proper institution for tax matters.
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The statement read: “The office of the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami) FNCS, FBCS, FIIM, MCPN has been inundated with complaints and enquiries concerning the recent 7.5% VAT deductions on voice calls and text messages, by some Mobile Network Operators, MNOs.
“While we appreciate the support and efforts of well-meaning Nigerians who have sought clarifications in a civil manner, we wish to inform the general public that the issues of VAT, do not fall under the Ministry’s purview. The office of the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy is not mandated to handle VAT.
“In the same vein, we also wish to notify the general public that contrary to popular opinion in some quarters, the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy had no prior consultation or awareness about the development.
“All further enquiries and clarifications may henceforth be directed to the Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, being the proper institution for tax matters.
“The Honourable Minister assures all Nigerians that under his leadership, the interest of all Nigerians will be protected.”
