March 27, 2025

List of VAT-Exempt Books Under Nigeria’s 2021 Modification Order The following categories of books are exempt from Value Added Tax (VAT) in Nigeria under the 2021 Modification Order: 1. School Textbooks (Primary, Secondary & Tertiary Education) 2. Academic Reference Materials 3. Instructional & Educational Guides 4. Scientific & Technical Learning Materials 5. Children’s Educational Books 6. Dictionaries, Encyclopedias & Atlases 7. Religious Books for Academic Purposes 8. Special Needs Educational Books 9. Legal & Government Publications (For Academic Study) 10. Professional & Vocational Training Books 11. Scientific Research & Development Publications 12. Government-Approved Curriculum Books 13. Open Educational Resources & Publicly Funded Books This list ensures that essential learning materials remain tax-free, promoting accessible and affordable education in Nigeria. For professional advice on Accountancy, Transfer Pricing, Tax, Assurance, Outsourcing, online accounting support, Company Registration, and CAC matters, please contact Sunmola David & CO (Chartered Accountants & Tax Practitioners) at Lagos, Ogun state Nigeria offices, www.sunmoladavid.com. You can also reach us via WhatsApp at +2348038460036.

The Gombe State Internal Revenue Service (GIRS) is taking significant steps to improve revenue collection and administration through strategic engagement and training of tax officers. This initiative aims to strengthen the state’s revenue generation capacity, ensuring a more efficient and transparent tax system. The GIRS has reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, diligence, and professionalism in tax administration through a high-level engagement with Revenue Officers (ROs) across the state. Speaking at the meeting, the Executive Director for Standard and Compliance, Midah Buba Thomas, emphasized the importance of integrity, proactive tax enforcement, and accountability in all revenue operations. Under the leadership of Executive Chairman Aisha Adamu, FCNA, GIRS has rolled out several reforms, including digital tax platforms, modern enforcement tools, and enhanced taxpayer engagement. These reforms are designed to modernize the revenue collection process, making it more efficient and user-friendly. The meeting provided an open forum for officers to share operational challenges and propose practical solutions for improving efficiency. This is part of a broader strategy to increase Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and strengthen the state’s fiscal base to support its development goals. Chairman Aisha Adamu’s proactive leadership has transformed GIRS into a model institution. With the introduction of digital systems and continuous capacity-building efforts, Gombe is positioning itself as a pacesetter in modern tax administration, setting an example for other states to follow. By focusing on continuous development and capacity building, GIRS is positioning itself to increase compliance, reduce revenue leakage, and foster a more robust and effective tax system. The engagement also aims to boost morale among tax officers, enhancing their ability to engage with taxpayers and address challenges in the revenue collection process. This strategic move by GIRS is part of ongoing efforts to modernize the state’s tax system and improve its fiscal capacity, ultimately contributing to the overall economic development of Gombe State. For professional advice on Accountancy, Transfer Pricing, Tax, Assurance, Outsourcing, online accounting support, Company Registration, and CAC matters, please contact Sunmola David & CO (Chartered Accountants & Tax Practitioners) at Lagos, Ogun state Nigeria offices, www.sunmoladavid.com. You can also reach us via WhatsApp at +2348038460036.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has introduced a new policy following a presidential executive order that offers a two-year exemption from import duty and value-added tax (VAT) on essential raw materials used in local pharmaceutical manufacturing. This policy, which was approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and implemented by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, applies to critical materials like active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), excipients, reagents, packaging materials, and other key resources needed to produce vital medical items, including basic medicines, long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs), and rapid diagnostic kits. Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, explained that this initiative is designed to stimulate local investment, make medical products more affordable, and support the growth of Nigeria’s healthcare sector. The goal is to reduce the cost of essential medical supplies and boost local production of healthcare products. To ensure the policy benefits those it’s intended for, Adeniyi emphasized that only registered pharmaceutical manufacturers, recognized by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, will be eligible for the exemption. These manufacturers must also have a valid tax identification number (TIN). Additionally, the NCS will monitor the program closely, providing quarterly reports on all imports under the policy, which will include details about the importers, quantities, and values of the materials to ensure transparency. Adeniyi also expressed the NCS’s ongoing commitment to supporting government policies and contributing to national development by facilitating trade, enhancing border security, and fostering the growth of a robust healthcare sector. He called on key stakeholders, including manufacturers, importers, and relevant government agencies, to work together to ensure the successful implementation of this initiative. By leveraging these collaborative efforts, Nigeria hopes to strengthen its healthcare infrastructure and make locally produced medical products more accessible to its citizens. For professional advice on Accountancy, Transfer Pricing, Tax, Assurance, Outsourcing, online accounting support, Company Registration, and CAC matters, please contact Sunmola David & CO (Chartered Accountants & Tax Practitioners) at Lagos, Ogun state Nigeria offices, www.sunmoladavid.com. You can also reach us via WhatsApp at +2348038460036.