NRS debunks viral claims of new tax on vehicles

The Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) has dismissed circulating claims that the Federal Government has introduced a new vehicle tax. The purported claim, which stated that the vehicle tax would take effect by July 1, 2026, has been declared false and misleading by the tax agency. 

According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the NRS chairman and spokesperson, Dare Adekanmbi, the Federal Government has not introduced a fresh vehicle tax as has been circulated. 

“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,” he said.

Zacch Adedeji, Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS)

The claim, circulated through an infographic, also directed owners of private, commercial and corporate vehicles to pay tax (levy) through an attached link, including other online platforms and banks.

Stressing on the fake link, the NRS mentioned that the post directed the public to http://www.firs.gov.ng for further information, whereas its official website is http://www.nrs.gov.ng.

“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,” Adekambi added. 

He further stressed that no such information emanates from the agency or any federal government authority.

Also Read: NRS says 7.5% VAT applies only to service charges on bank transfers.

NRS advises Nigerians amid vehicle tax claims

The latest twist by fraudsters to lure unsuspecting Nigerians forms part of a familiar modus operandi often deployed to steal biometric data or perform financial fraud.

To protect Nigerians, the NRS advised Nigerians to only rely on verified official channels (website and social media platforms) for unfabricated information. It added that the viral material is an attempt to downgrade efforts of the Federal government, especially in the new tax policy. 

“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,” Adekambi added. 

As part of the new phase for tax administration, the agency recently announced plans to launch a new digital tax payment platform, tagged Rev360. NRS noted that the platform aims at enhancing efficiency, transparency, and the taxpayer experience across Nigeria. 

The new platform is also expected to bring a more advanced and intelligent ecosystem set to meet the emerging needs of taxpayers and the economy. The rollout of Rev360 will commence with the Medium and Emerging Taxpayers as the first phase of implementation after a successful pilot. 

The platform has been scheduled to go live on Thursday, 30 April, 2026.