The Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) has officially debunked a viral infographic that falsely claimed the Federal Government (FG) introduced a new tax on vehicles effective July 1, 2026. The agency described the claim as completely false and intended to mislead the public.
Details of the Viral Claim
The infographic, which has been circulating on social media and messaging platforms, directed owners of private, commercial, and corporate vehicles to pay a levy through unspecified channels, including online platforms and approved banks. However, it did not state any specific tax rate. The NRS noted that the material carried no identifiable author and misled the public by directing them to the website http://www.firs.gov.ng for further information, whereas the official NRS website is http://www.nrs.gov.ng.
Official Statement from NRS
In a statement released yesterday, the Special Adviser to the NRS Chairman and spokesperson, Dare Adekanmbi, categorically denied the claim. He said: “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 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 urged Nigerians to disregard the fabricated message, emphasizing that it was designed to mislead the public. He added: “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.”
Advice to the Public
The NRS advised members of the public to rely only on verified official channels for accurate information, including its website and social media platforms. The agency stressed that the viral material does not represent any policy of the Federal Government. Nigerians are encouraged to remain vigilant and verify any such claims through official sources before taking action.
