The Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) has officially dismissed viral reports claiming that the federal government has introduced a new tax on vehicles. The agency described the information as false and entirely misleading, urging the public to disregard it.
NRS Debunks New Tax on Vehicles
The NRS clarification came in response to a viral infographic circulating on social media, which alleged that a mandatory vehicle tax would take effect from July 1, 2026. The notice directed vehicle owners to begin payments through specified online platforms and designated institutions. However, in a statement released on Sunday, April 26, 2026, the NRS, through its spokesperson Dare Adekanbi, stated that the notice did not originate from the service or any authorized government agency.
“The attention of the Nigeria Revenue Service has been drawn to a viral message claiming that the Federal Government has introduced a fresh vehicle tax effective July 1, 2026,” Adekanmbi stated. “The NRS wishes to state categorically that the information did not emanate from the Service or any government agency.”
NRS Alerts Nigerians on Fake Websites
The NRS emphasized that the message was designed to deceive the Nigerian public, noting that those behind it had falsely branded the graphic with the Nigerian government’s logo to manufacture credibility. Adekanbi revealed several inconsistencies in the report, particularly the inclusion of an incorrect website address, which he said demonstrated the fraudulent nature of the claim. According to a report by The Punch, the revenue agency urged Nigerians to ignore the claim and rely on official government communication platforms for accurate updates regarding tax policies and fiscal policies.
The NRS spokesperson advised Nigerians to verify tax-related information through its recognized platforms and to avoid using unverified messages on social media. The agency reaffirmed its commitment to operational transparency, assuring Nigerians that any legitimate policy shifts would be properly communicated through formal, established channels.
Nigerians on Edge Over FG’s New Tax Policies
The Nigerian government has embarked on an aggressive tax reform, which began in January 2026, leaving most Nigerians on edge over the new policy. Recently, public outrage erupted when members of the National Assembly raised concerns over discrepancies in the gazetted tax documents, describing them as a cacophony of inconsistencies. President Bola Tinubu signed four new tax laws, effectively initiating a new tax regime in Nigeria.
Experts have expressed mixed views on the new tax reforms. Some argue that the policy will impoverish Nigerians, while others believe it is aimed at boosting revenue.
FG Clarifies Claims of 25% Levy on Building Materials
Legit.ng earlier reported that the federal government denied claims that the Nigeria Tax Act 2025 imposed a 25% tax on building materials, construction funds, or money held in bank accounts. In a statement on Sunday, February 15, Taiwo Oyedele, the chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, noted that claims circulating in a viral video—that the new tax law would take effect in 2027 and introduce fresh levies on funds used for construction and other transactions—were false. The committee stated that the Act has already commenced and contains no provision imposing a 25% tax on construction costs, business expenses, or bank balances.
