Minister of Communications Reacts To 7.5 % VAT Charge On Voice Calls & Text Messages

Dr. Isa Pantami, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy

The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Pantami has directed Nigerians to approach the Federal Inland Revenue for clarification after it was discovered that Telecoms companies are charging 7.5 per cent Value Added Tax (VAT) on voice calls and text messages.

The Minister said this call became necessary following the continued inquiries by Telecoms subscribers in his office regarding the deduction of 7.5 per cent VAT by some mobile network operators.

The spokesman to the Minister, Mrs Uwa Suleiman in a statement issued on Thursday, said the issues of VAT does not fall under the purview of the Ministry.

The statement stated, “the office of the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami) 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”.