The Federal Government has released new guidelines to direct Nigeria’s transition to a new tax regime, providing clarity for taxpayers, revenue agencies, tax consultants and other stakeholders ahead of the full implementation of the country’s tax reforms.
The guidelines were issued on Thursday by the Ministry of Finance as part of preparations for the enforcement of the new tax laws. The framework explains how tax-related matters will be handled during the transition period and seeks to reduce confusion for individuals and businesses affected by the changes.
According to the government, the guidelines cover several areas, including existing tax obligations, ongoing tax audits, pending disputes, approved incentives and transactions that may fall between the old and new tax systems. The objective is to ensure that both taxpayers and tax authorities have a clear understanding of their responsibilities during the changeover.
Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, said the framework was created to make the transition orderly and predictable. He explained that tax obligations connected to periods before January 1, 2026, would continue to be governed by the previous tax laws despite the introduction of the new regime.
The minister stated that tax assessments, audits, investigations, enforcement actions and disputes relating to periods before the commencement of the new laws would still be handled under the repealed legal framework. This means that matters already in progress before the transition date will not automatically move to the new system.
He also explained that tax returns connected to accounting periods ending before January 2026 will be filed under the existing laws. However, tax returns due from January 1, 2026, and beyond will be processed under the provisions of the new tax regime.
Oyedele noted that the Tax Acts 2025 consist of four major laws introduced as part of Nigeria’s broader tax reform programme. These include the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, the Nigeria Tax Act, the Nigeria Tax Administration Act and the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Act.
The guidelines further state that tax exemptions and incentives already granted under the old laws will remain valid until they expire. This provision is expected to provide certainty for businesses and investors who received approvals before the reforms were introduced.
However, applications that are still under review, as well as fresh requests for tax incentives, will be considered under the provisions of the Tax Acts 2025. The government said this approach would ensure consistency in the administration of the new laws.
In addition, the framework explains how income taxes, transaction taxes, development levies and record-keeping requirements will be treated during the transition period.
The government believes the guidelines will help ensure a smooth shift to the new tax system while reducing disputes and administrative challenges for all parties involved.