Nigeria Targets N874bn Tax Revenue from Telecoms by 2026

The Federal Government of Nigeria is projecting an N874 billion corporate tax revenue from the telecommunications sector by 2026, as part of a broader strategy to enhance non-oil earnings and finance the national budget. This projection, detailed in a report from the Joint Committee on Appropriations for the 2026 Appropriations Bill, indicates that major telecom operators, including MTN Nigeria and Airtel Nigeria, are expected to significantly boost tax receipts following recent tariff adjustments.

MTN Nigeria is estimated to contribute N724 billion, while Airtel Nigeria is projected to contribute N150 billion. The government plans to revise the 2026 budget upward to N68.32 trillion, incorporating new spending commitments and addressing fiscal pressures.

The report highlights the need for efficient implementation of budgetary allocations and notes that the telecommunications sector has seen renewed investor confidence, with capital inflows exceeding $2 billion. MTN Nigeria's CEO, Karl Toriola, disclosed that the company plans to invest N1 trillion in network capacity by 2025.