Agency News
Barbara Bako, Abuja.
The Federal Government has issued guidelines to steer taxpayers and revenue authorities through the transition to Nigeria’s new tax regime, which takes effect from January 1, 2026.
The guidelines, released by the Federal Ministry of Finance, outline how tax matters originating under repealed tax laws will be treated following the commencement of the Tax Acts 2025.
According to the government, tax liabilities, assessments, audits, investigations, disputes and enforcement actions relating to periods before the new laws take effect will continue to be administered under the old tax framework.
The transition document provides clarity for taxpayers, tax practitioners and revenue agencies on the implementation of the Tax Acts 2025, which comprise the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, the Nigeria Tax Act, the Nigeria Tax Administration Act and the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Act.
It further states that tax returns relating to accounting periods ending before January 1, 2026, will be filed under the repealed laws, while returns due from that date onward will be governed by the new tax framework.
The guidelines also set out rules for handling income taxes, transaction taxes, development levies, tax incentives, exemptions, record-keeping requirements and transactions that cut across both the old and new tax systems.
A key provision of the transition framework is the preservation of existing tax incentives and exemptions granted under repealed laws until their expiration dates. However, all new applications and pending requests for incentives will be assessed under the provisions of the Tax Acts 2025.
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Commenting on the development, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, said the guidelines were designed to ensure a seamless transition while preventing the retrospective application of the new tax laws.
He noted that the Tax Acts 2025 mark a significant step in Nigeria’s tax reform agenda and provide certainty on how ongoing obligations and future transactions will be treated.
Oyedele said the framework is built around the principles of clarity, fairness and administrative certainty, adding that it is intended to ensure uniform implementation across tax authorities at the federal, state and local government levels.
The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to strengthening tax administration through a transparent and efficient system that promotes voluntary compliance, supports economic growth and enhances the country’s investment environment.
