President Bola Tinubu has scrapped the proposed 5 percent levy on voice and data services, a fee many feared would further stretch Nigerians’ wallets. The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) confirmed the decision under the new tax law, with Executive Vice-Chairman Aminu Maida announcing it at a media briefing in Abuja. According to Channels TV and Punch, the removal is meant to ease pressure on both subscribers and businesses.
Tariff backdrop keeps relief in check
The decision comes just months after regulators approved tariff hikes of up to 50 percent—a move that sparked union protests and even legal battles. Because of that context, analysts say consumers should not expect their bills to suddenly shrink. What the removal does offer, however, is breathing space: it could help slow down future price hikes and keep telecom services more stable, Reuters and Arise News reported.
Focus shifting to service quality
The NCC insists this is about more than taxes. Maida explained that the reform is part of a bigger plan to raise service standards, improve governance and boost transparency. New rules will tighten oversight on billing, failed transactions and network performance. The Guardian reports that tougher enforcement frameworks are already being lined up to hold operators accountable.
Industry cheers but calls for vigilance
Operators and consumer groups alike welcomed the move. ALTON chair Gbenga Adebayo called it “a relief for both consumers and operators,” but warned against the return of “hidden levies” under different names. NATCOMs president Deolu Ogunbanjo described it as “a step in the right direction,” hinting that ongoing lawsuits against the levy may now be dropped, according to The Guardian and Tech Labari.
A signal for digital inclusion
With over 170 million active mobile users, telecom services are the backbone of education, commerce and daily life in Nigeria. By scrapping the levy, Tinubu’s government is sending a clear message: affordable connectivity is key to its digital inclusion agenda. The true test, however, will be whether operators pass this relief on to consumers and whether NCC enforces its promise of better quality service.
