The Communication Service Tax Bill, which is before the National
Assembly, seeks to levy 9% on subscribers for the use of the various
communication services like voice call, SMS, MMS, Data usage
from telecos,
internet service providers and Pay TV Stations.
This was disclosed by the Minister of Communication, Adebayo
Shittu, saying that the FG would consult extensively with the private sector on
the controversy surrounding the Communication Service tax bill saying that the
outcome of deliberations on the bill would form the basis of his advice to the
President. He also noted that introduction of new taxes without harmonising
existing ones would put pressure on the country’s tax system thereby making it
unattractive to investors.
”This may also be counter-productive in the long run for our
targets on broadband penetration. My focus on any tax regime will be to align
any process that will stimulate the economy and also ensure that the tax system
is efficient by widening the tax net.
It is also to create an effective framework for tax
compliance to protect the poor and vulnerable in the society who nonetheless
have to use telecoms services for social inclusion and financial services.
I have been reliably informed that the projected earnings
from this effort is over N20 billion every month, which is an attraction to the
government for funding our budget deficits. I must be quick to say that this
government has a human face twined around its decisions.’’ He said
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