Bill to impose a 9% tax payment on calls, SMS, MMS on Nigerians

    At a meeting organised by the Lagos state chambers of commerce and Industry(LCCI) to deliberate on a bill which the government wishes to pass as regards subscribers paying a 9% tax on voice calls,SMS ,MMS and data services.

    A minister in attendance said that the government’s efforts at increasing its revenue made the bill worthy of consideration.He also stated 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.

   Mrs Nike Akande, President of LCCI called for a friendly tax environment especially in view of the difficult business environment. “We know that the government is seeking to diversify its revenue base in the light of dwindling oil revenue. But it is also true that the private sector players will like to see an investment friendly tax environment, especially in the light of the prevailing high cost of doing business in the country. It is important to balance these two positions.”

   Mr Taiwo Oyedele, Partner, PriceWaterCoopers said that the N20 billion monthly projected revenue from the bill was unrealistic and based on assumption. According to him, increased taxation will reduce the consumption pattern of consumers, lower investment in the sector, thereby translating to reduced revenue.