The Federal Government has finally vowed to pressure and announced the suspension of its proposed five percent excise duty on telecommunication services to subscribers of data and calls on mobile lines
Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, announced this on Monday in Abuja, during the inaugural meeting of the Presidential Committee on Excise Duty for the Digital Economy Sector,
Pantami had kicked against the implementation of the tax, which he described as an overburden for the telecommunications sector.
He had said that the National Assembly members were not consulted.
Pantami said he personally rejected the policy and advised President Muhammadu Buhari against it in view of the effects it would have on the digital economy.
According to him, the introduction of excise duty in the telecommunication and information and communications technology industry would jeopardise the successes already recorded within the industry.
But the Minister of Finance Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, had accused him of sabotaging government efforts.
“Against the comments by Isa Ali Pantami, honourable minister of communication and digital economy, concerning the five percent excise duty hike on telecoms services, it is worth noting that there was a circular stating the planned hike which was addressed to the communication minister and other relevant ministries and agencies of government,” the statement reads.
Culled From Daily Trust
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