Juliet Ezeh
The Nigeria Revenue Service has raised alarm over a misleading viral infographic falsely claiming that the Federal Government has introduced a new vehicle tax set to take effect from July 1, urging Nigerians to disregard the information and remain vigilant against misinformation.
In a statement issued by its spokesperson, Mr Dare Adekambi, Special Adviser to the Chairman of the agency, Zacch Adedeji, the service described the widely circulated material as entirely false, deceptive, and designed to mislead unsuspecting members of the public.
According to the agency, the viral infographic, which has been making rounds across social media platforms and messaging apps, claimed that vehicle owners across the country including private individuals, commercial drivers, and corporate organizations would be required to pay a newly introduced tax either online or through designated banks and agencies.
However, the tax authority firmly denied the existence of any such policy, stating that no new vehicle tax has been introduced by the Federal Government.
Adekambi explained that the infographic not only contained false claims but also attempted to appear legitimate by directing users to a website address that does not belong to the agency. The misleading material reportedly instructed the public to visit www.firs.gov.ng for additional information, a move the service described as a deliberate attempt to confuse and misinform citizens.
He clarified that the correct and official website of the agency is www.nrs.gov.ng, emphasizing that all authentic updates regarding tax policies and government directives are communicated exclusively through verified channels.
“The Nigeria Revenue Service wishes to state categorically that the information contained in the viral infographic did not originate from the service or any government institution,” Adekambi said. “There is no new vehicle tax policy, and the public should disregard any such claims.”
The agency further warned that the spread of such false information could have serious consequences, including financial exploitation of citizens who might be deceived into making payments based on fraudulent claims.
Observers note that the emergence of fake government-related announcements has become increasingly common, particularly in the digital age where information spreads rapidly across multiple platforms without verification. The latest incident highlights the growing challenge of combating misinformation in Nigeria’s online space, especially when such content is designed to mimic official communications.
The tax authority stressed that citizens must exercise caution and verify information before taking action, particularly when it involves financial transactions. It encouraged Nigerians to rely solely on official government sources for accurate and timely updates.
Adekambi advised members of the public to follow the agency’s verified social media accounts and regularly check its official website for credible information about tax policies, reforms, and other related matters.
He also urged Nigerians to be wary of anonymous messages, graphics, or links that request payments or personal information, noting that government agencies do not introduce major tax policies without widespread official announcements through recognized channels.
The clarification comes at a time when economic concerns remain high among Nigerians, making citizens more susceptible to panic and misinformation, especially when it involves taxes or government-imposed levies.
Analysts believe that false reports of new taxes can trigger unnecessary anxiety and confusion among citizens and businesses, potentially affecting economic activities and public trust in government institutions.
The Nigeria Revenue Service reiterated its commitment to transparency and public engagement, assuring Nigerians that any legitimate policy changes would be communicated clearly and through appropriate platforms.
“The verdict on the circulating infographic is that it is false and should be completely disregarded,” Adekambi added. “We encourage citizens to remain vigilant and avoid falling victim to fabricated messages intended to deceive the public.”
The agency also called on the public to play an active role in curbing the spread of misinformation by verifying news before sharing it and reporting suspicious content to the appropriate authorities.
As digital misinformation continues to evolve, experts stress the importance of media literacy and public awareness in identifying and resisting false narratives. The latest development serves as a reminder of the need for caution in an era where viral content can easily blur the line between fact and fiction.
For now, Nigerians have been assured that no new vehicle tax has been introduced, and any claims suggesting otherwise should be treated as false.