FG Busts Fake Vehicle Tax Claim, Warns Nigerians Ahead of July 2026

The Federal Government has issued a strong warning to Nigerians over a misleading viral message claiming that a new tax has been imposed on vehicle owners nationwide, describing the information as entirely false and deceptive.
The Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) clarified that it has not introduced any fresh levy on vehicles, contrary to claims contained in a widely circulated infographic suggesting that a new tax regime would take effect from July 1, 2026.
The controversial infographic, which has gained traction across social media platforms and messaging apps, purportedly directs owners of private, commercial, and corporate vehicles to pay a yet-to-be-specified tax either online or through designated banks and agencies. To lend credibility to the claim, the material was adorned with official government insignia, a tactic authorities say is commonly used to mislead unsuspecting citizens.
However, a closer scrutiny of the document reveals multiple inconsistencies, including the absence of an identifiable author and the use of an incorrect web address. The message directs users to www.firs.gov.ng, a website not linked to the NRS, whose official portal remains www.nrs.gov.ng
Debunking the claim in an official statement, Dare Adekanmbi, Special Adviser to the NRS Chairman and spokesperson for the agency, dismissed the viral notice as fabricated and unauthorised.
“The attention of the Nigeria Revenue Service has been drawn to a viral infographic claiming that the Federal Government has introduced a fresh vehicle tax effective from July 1, 2026. This information is false and did not emanate from the Service or any government agency,” he stated.
Adekanmbi further stressed that the misleading content was deliberately designed to create panic and possibly exploit citizens financially. He urged Nigerians to disregard the message in its entirety and refrain from making any payments based on such unverified claims.
The agency reiterated that all official tax policies and government directives are communicated through verified platforms, including its website and official social media handles. It advised the public to be cautious and avoid acting on anonymous or suspicious information, especially when requesting financial transactions.
Analysts note that the rise in digital misinformation—particularly involving government policies—has become a growing concern, as fraudsters increasingly deploy sophisticated tactics to mimic official communications. Such schemes not only erode public trust but also expose citizens to financial risks.
The NRS emphasised that public vigilance remains critical in combating the spread of fake information. Nigerians are encouraged to verify any policy-related announcements directly from recognised government sources before taking action.
As the July 2026 date referenced in the fake notice approaches, authorities say they will continue to monitor and counter misinformation while reinforcing public awareness on identifying credible information.
The Federal Government has dismissed a viral claim of a new vehicle tax starting July 2026, urging Nigerians to ignore the fake notice and rely on verified NRS channels for accurate information.