The Federal Government has announced the removal of the 5% excise duty earlier imposed on telecommunications services in Nigeria, a decision expected to ease the financial burden on millions of mobile phone users.

The levy, introduced under the Muhammadu Buhari administration, was designed to cover both voice and data services but faced heavy criticism from telecom operators and consumer rights groups who argued that it would further increase the cost of living.

Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ordered the removal of the tax during deliberations on the recently enacted Finance Act.

According to the National Orientation Agency (NOA), the development will provide much-needed relief for over 171 million active telecom subscribers nationwide, many of whom have already been grappling with a 50% tariff hike earlier this year.