The Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) has dismissed as “false and misleading” a widely circulated infographic alleging that the Federal Government will impose a new tax on vehicles effective July 1.
The Service issued the clarification on Tuesday through Mr. Dare Adekambi, Special Adviser to NRS Chairman Dr. Zach Adedeji and the agency’s official spokesperson.
*Background*
In recent days, an anonymous infographic spread across WhatsApp and other social platforms directing owners of private, commercial, and corporate vehicles to pay an “unspecified vehicle tax rate.” The graphic instructed motorists to make payments online or at approved banks and agencies, and pointed readers to _http://www.firs.gov.ng_ for details — a web address that no longer represents the tax authority.
The NRS, formerly the Federal Inland Revenue Service, transitioned to its current name and domain, _http://www.nrs.gov.ng_, following reforms to Nigeria’s revenue administration framework.
*Official Response*
“The Federal Government has not introduced any fresh tax on vehicles as claimed in the material,” Adekambi stated. “The NRS wishes to state categorically that the information did not emanate from the Service or any government agency.”
He noted that the viral post bore no identifiable author and deliberately mimicked official design elements to appear credible. “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,” he said.
*Context: Why the Rumor Matters*
The false claim surfaced amid heightened public sensitivity to taxation and cost-of-living pressures. Misinformation about new levies can trigger panic, queues at banks, and exploitation by fraudsters posing as collection agents. The NRS emphasized that all legitimate tax policies are announced through gazetted circulars, press briefings, and its verified platforms — not anonymous graphics.
*Advisory to the Public*
Adekambi urged Nigerians to verify fiscal information only through official sources. “The verdict on the infographic is that it is false,” he said. “Nigerians should follow the official handles of the NRS on all social media platforms and its website for accurate information about tax and its activities.”
The Service reiterated that its correct website remains _http://www.nrs.gov.ng_. Any communication directing taxpayers to other portals or demanding payment via unofficial links should be treated as fraudulent.
*Editor’s Note*
The NRS continues to combat tax-related misinformation as part of broader efforts to improve compliance and public trust. The agency has previously flagged fake recruitment notices, cloned websites, and unauthorized payment portals. Members of the public who encounter suspicious tax demands are advised to report them to the NRS through its official contact channels.
