The Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) has alerted Nigerians to a misleading message circulating online that falsely claims a new tax has been introduced for vehicle owners. The agency clarified that the information is untrue and urged the public to ignore it.
The warning was issued through a statement by the agency’s spokesperson, who addressed growing concerns about the spread of misinformation related to government tax policies. According to the NRS, the viral content includes a deceptive infographic that directs people to a fake website and encourages them to make payments through unofficial channels. The misleading message claims that a new vehicle tax will take effect from July 1 and instructs owners of private, commercial, and corporate vehicles to pay certain charges. It also provides a suspicious web link that does not belong to the official NRS platform. Reacting to the development, the agency firmly denied introducing any such tax. It stressed that the Federal Government has not approved any new levy on vehicles and that the circulating information is entirely false.
“The NRS wishes to state categorically that the information did not emanate from the service or any government agency.” The agency further warned Nigerians to be cautious and avoid falling victim to scams designed to exploit unsuspecting members of the public. It noted that the creators of the fake message attempted to make it appear credible by using official-looking designs and references.“
Citizens are, therefore, advised to disregard the fabricated messages designed to mislead the public and instead rely on official government channels for information on government policies,” the statement added. The NRS emphasized that any legitimate tax policy would be formally announced through recognized government platforms and not through anonymous online graphics or unofficial websites. It advised Nigerians to always verify tax-related information through its official communication channels before taking any action. This clarification comes at a time when misinformation about public policies is becoming more common, especially on social media. The agency highlighted the importance of public awareness and vigilance in preventing financial fraud and confusion.
In addition, the warning was issued ahead of ongoing reforms within the tax system, including the introduction of new digital platforms aimed at improving tax administration and compliance. These reforms are part of broader efforts to modernize revenue collection and enhance transparency in Nigeria’s tax system. Overall, the NRS reassured Nigerians that there is no new vehicle tax and urged them to depend only on verified sources for accurate information.
