The Federal Government has revoked the 5% excise tax previously imposed on telecommunications services in Nigeria, a move expected to ease cost pressures for millions of mobile users.

The tax, which was intended to apply to both voice calls and data, had drawn widespread criticism from industry players and consumer advocates since its introduction under the Muhammadu Buhari administration.

Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), disclosed that President Tinubu directed the removal of the tax during discussions on the recently passed Finance Act.

The development is expected to bring relief to over 171 million active telecom users across the country, many of whom have faced a 50% tariff increase implemented earlier this year.