By CHARLES CHIJIOKE
The Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) has dismissed claims that the federal government has introduced a new tax on vehicles, describing a widely circulated online message as false and misleading.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Dare Adekanmbi, special adviser to the NRS chairman and spokesperson for the agency, said the viral infographic alleging a fresh levy on all registered vehicles effective July 1, 2026, did not originate from the service or any government institution.
“The attention of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) has been drawn to a viral infographic message claiming that the Federal Government has introduced a fresh vehicle tax on all registered vehicles effective from 1 July 2026,” the statement reads.
“The message, which was adorned with the federal government logo to give the appearance of authenticity, advises vehicle owners to make payments online or at approved banks and agencies.
“The NRS wishes to state categorically that the information did not emanate from the Service or any government agency.”
Adekanmbi noted that the fraudulent message also referenced an incorrect government website and failed to specify any legitimate policy framework, raising further red flags about its authenticity.
He advised Nigerians to ignore the notice and rely strictly on verified government channels for accurate information on tax policies and payment obligations.
“Citizens are, therefore, advised to disregard the fabricated message designed to mislead the public and instead rely on official government channels for information on government policies,” he added.
The clarification comes amid growing concerns over the spread of misinformation targeting taxpayers, particularly through social media platforms where fake government announcements are increasingly designed to appear credible.
If left unchecked, such misinformation could lead to financial losses for unsuspecting citizens who may attempt to comply with fraudulent payment directives, while also undermining public trust in official tax administration processes.
The NRS urged the public to follow its official communication platforms for timely and accurate updates, reiterating its commitment to transparency in tax administration and warning that any legitimate policy change would be formally communicated through recognized government channels.
