The Nigeria Revenue Service has debunked reports that a new vehicle tax has been introduced by the federal government effective from July 1, 2026, describing as “false and misleading” a viral infographic that sparked widespread outrage among citizens. The viral post claimed that the federal government was set to introduce a green tax surcharge of between 2 per cent and 4 per cent on high-engine vehicles as part of its 2026 fiscal policy measures, purportedly designed to align Nigeria’s tax framework with environmental objectives.
The misinformation, which circulated widely on social media, specifically alleged that vehicles with engine sizes of 2,000cc to 3,999cc would face a 2 per cent charge, while vehicles with engines of 4,000cc and above would face a 4 per cent charge. The fake report also claimed exemptions for vehicles with engines below 2,000cc, mass transit buses, electric vehicles, and locally manufactured vehicles. Many Nigerians expressed anger over the proposal before the NRS stepped in to clarify.
In a statement by the Special Adviser to the NRS Chairman and spokesperson for the Service, Dare Adekanmbi, the NRS said the Federal Government has not introduced any fresh tax on vehicles as claimed in the material. The statement advised members of the public to trust and rely only on information disseminated through verified official channels of government or any of its agencies and not on anonymous graphics circulating online. “The attention of the Nigeria Revenue Service 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 read.
“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. 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.” The NRS further advised Nigerians to follow the official handles of the Service on all social media platforms and its website for accurate information about tax and its activities.
From an economic perspective, the incident highlights the risks of misinformation in an environment where fiscal policy measures are a source of public anxiety. The ease with which a fabricated graphic bearing government insignia can circulate underscores the need for more proactive public communication from tax authorities. The government’s ability to maintain public trust depends on timely debunking of false claims and transparent communication of actual policy changes.
