NRS debunks reports on vehicle tax claim, says viral infographic is misleading

Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) has dismissed circulating reports alleging that the Federal Government has introduced a new tax on vehicles, terming the information as false and entirely misleading.

The clarification comes in the wake of a viral infographic that made the rounds on social media, falsely claiming that a mandatory vehicle tax would take effect from July 1, 2026. The fraudulent notice had directed vehicle owners to initiate payments through specified online platforms and designated financial institutions.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the agency’s spokesperson, Dare Adekanmbi, explicitly stated that the notice did not originate from the Service or any authorised government body.

“The attention of the Nigeria Revenue Service has been drawn to a viral message claiming that the Federal Government has introduced a fresh vehicle tax effective July 1, 2026,” Adekanmbi stated. “The NRS wishes to state categorically that the information did not emanate from the Service or any government agency.”

According to the agency, the viral message was a calculated attempt to deceive the public. The perpetrators had falsely branded the graphic with the Federal Government’s logo in a bid to manufacture credibility.

Adekanmbi further highlighted several inconsistencies in the graphic, most notably the inclusion of an incorrect website address, which he noted served as a clear indicator of the material’s fraudulent nature.

The NRS has urged Nigerians to disregard the claim and rely strictly on official government communication channels for accurate updates regarding tax policies and fiscal directives.

“We advise the public to verify any tax-related information through our recognised platforms and to avoid acting on unverified messages circulating online,” the statement added.

Reaffirming its commitment to operational transparency, the agency assured citizens that any legitimate policy shifts would be properly disseminated through formal, established communication channels.