TAX SERVICES

FIRS Unveils Plans to Educate SMEs on Tax Reliefs and Incentives

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has announced plans to educate business owners, farmers, and entrepreneurs on the range of tax incentives available, particularly those designed to ease the burden on growing businesses. FIRS Chairman, Mr. Zack Adedeji, made this announcement on Saturday during the 12th Benue National Trade Fair held at IBB Square, Makurdi. Representing him at the event was the Director of Taxpayer Services, Mrs. Lovette Onanuga. Adedeji highlighted that various incentives, from pioneer status benefits to tax reliefs for agriculture-related investments, are available to support nearly every sector represented at the trade fair. “This year’s trade fair theme, ‘Industrialisation and Commercialisation of Benue Agriculture and Solid Minerals as Panacea for Growth,’ aligns strongly with our work at FIRS,” he said. He stressed Benue State’s vast potential not only in agriculture but also in its untapped solid mineral resources, noting that building sustainable businesses is key to unlocking these opportunities. “When properly harnessed, taxes become catalysts for national growth, enabling the government to invest in critical infrastructure, public services, and policies that support agriculture, mining, trade, and enterprise,” Adedeji added. He acknowledged that many small and medium-sized businesses often view taxation as a burden. To change this perception, FIRS has adopted the departmental theme for the month: “Breaking Down Tax Incentives and Reliefs”, aiming to help businesses see taxation as an opportunity rather than an obligation. Adedeji encouraged participants to visit the FIRS help desk at the trade fair for assistance with registration, tax clearance, and information on available incentives. He also introduced the self-service code *829#, enabling users to access services without internet connectivity. Also speaking at the event, the Tax Controller and Emerging Tax Officer, Mrs. Rose Ugoh, said FIRS had introduced several initiatives to make tax processes easier. She mentioned TaxPro Max, an online platform simplifying tax filing and payment, especially for small business owners. Ugoh further introduced the Taxpayers Education Programme, a national initiative offering campaigns and workshops aimed at improving tax awareness and compliance among micro and small enterprises. She emphasized that FIRS is committed not only to enhancing revenue collection but also to building a culture of voluntary tax compliance and economic formalization. Meanwhile, the President of the Benue Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (BECCIMA), Mr. Mhir Iyenge, noted that the trade fair had previously been suspended due to security challenges in some local government areas. 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.

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Edo: Private school owners protest 400% increase in tax.

Private school owners in Edo State staged a peaceful protest in Benin on Friday, voicing their concerns over what they described as an “alarming increase” in personal income taxes imposed by the state government. Operating under the Coalition of Associations of Private Schools (CAPS), the school proprietors gathered at the Ministry of Education, carrying placards and banners to express their grievances. CAPS includes the Association of Private School Owners of Nigeria (APSON), Association of Formidable Education Development (AFED), National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), and the Association of Islamic Model Schools. The protesters called for the reversal of a tax hike they claimed ranged from 200% to 400%, labeling it as punitive and unsustainable. Dr. Ohis-Olakhe Emmanuel, Chairman of the coalition and leader of the protest, explained that the group had explored all avenues for dialogue before resorting to the demonstration. Emmanuel stated, “Private schools not only complement government efforts in the education sector, but also serve as major employers of labor. With this increase, over 300,000 teachers could lose their jobs, along with many vendors and service providers who rely on schools for their livelihoods.” He criticized the tax calculation method, which was based on a per-student estimate of N30,000 to N35,000, despite many schools charging much less. Emmanuel emphasized that taxes should be based on profit, not gross income, given the operational expenses schools face. Dr. Austin Igbasan, Secretary of the coalition, warned that the tax increase could have far-reaching consequences, including school closures, job losses, and a rise in out-of-school children, particularly in low-income families. Oladele Ogundele, Secretary of AFED, echoed these concerns and called for a unified tax system for school owners. He pointed out various levies on schools, such as personal income tax, PAYE for staff, renewal fees, environmental and health certificates, signage fees, and tenement rates. Ogundele remarked, “Education is a social service and should be supported, not taxed to extinction. The Nigerian Constitution and the Universal Basic Education Act emphasize free and compulsory education, and this level of taxation contradicts that principle.” In response, the Edo State Commissioner for Education, Paddy Iyamu, assured the protesters that the government would review their concerns. He promised to arrange a meeting with the Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS) to address the issues raised. “Taxes are essential for the government to fulfill its obligations, but we will ensure that schools are not overburdened,” Iyamu said. He also urged schools failing to meet minimum standards to take corrective actions, warning that strict enforcement measures would soon be implemented. 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.

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Naira concludes the week on a strong note, closing at N1,626.00/$1 in the official market.

The Nigerian naira made a slight gain against the US dollar in the official foreign exchange market, closing the week at N1,626.00/$1 on Friday. This marks an improvement compared to Thursday’s rate of N1,630.50/$1, according to data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). The week ended on a relatively positive note after a period of volatility, with the local currency experiencing fluctuations between gains and losses. At the start of the week, the naira opened at N1,629.00/$1 on Monday, strengthened slightly to N1,615.00/$1 on Tuesday, but weakened to N1,644.00/$1 by Wednesday. It recovered to N1,630.50/$1 on Thursday before closing stronger at N1,626.00/$1 on Friday. Despite some mid-week depreciation, the naira managed to recover some of its losses, reflecting a slight but positive sentiment among investors in the official market. Parallel Market Movement In the parallel (black) market, the naira saw mild fluctuations but remained largely stable throughout the week. It closed at N1,624.35/$1 on Friday, a slight drop from N1,621/$1 on Thursday. The naira opened the week on Tuesday at N1,585/$1, appreciated slightly to N1,580/$1 on Wednesday, but weakened to N1,621/$1 on Thursday, before further depreciating to N1,624.35/$1 on Friday. The divergence between the official and parallel market rates is attributed to ongoing demand pressures, FX illiquidity, and speculative trading behavior. Cross-Currency Performance At the close of trading on Friday, the naira was valued at N1,591.85/$1 according to the CBN. Against other major currencies, the naira traded at N2,090.57/£1 and N1,815.82/€1. The CBN continues to implement intervention measures to stabilize the foreign exchange market, including weekly sales to Bureau De Change operators and efforts to increase FX supply from non-oil sources. Experts’ Insights Alhaji Aminu Gwadabe, President of the Association of Bureau De Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON), attributes the ongoing forex volatility to a mix of local and global uncertainties. Dr. Muda Yusuf, CEO of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE), links the naira’s recent struggles to both global factors and speculative pressures. Other analysts suggest the naira may continue to trade within a narrow range in the coming week, depending on the level of FX liquidity provided by the CBN and foreign inflows into the Nigerian economy. However, they emphasize that sustained efforts to unify rates and curb speculation are critical for achieving long-term currency stability. 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.

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Tax Reform Bills: A New Era for Nigeria’s Economy

We’ve been following the journey closely — you, me, and Nigerians everywhere. We’ve moved beyond conversations and consultations. Now, the House of Representatives has passed the Tax Reform Bills, marking a pivotal shift in Nigeria’s tax system. When you hear the word “reform,” what comes to mind? And when you think of the “Tax Reform Bill,” who do you envision? For many Nigerians, there’s one clear answer: Dr. Zacch Adedeji, Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS). When President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office in May 2023, he inherited an economy in urgent need of revival. Our tax system was riddled with inefficiencies, low compliance, limited coverage, and a lack of transparency. Coordination between federal and state tax authorities was weak, and the tax framework itself was outdated, incapable of supporting long-term growth. President Tinubu, fully aware of these challenges, made a decisive move: he appointed the right man for the job — Dr. Zacch Adedeji. Tax reform became a cornerstone of the government’s broader economic strategy, and under Dr. Zacch’s leadership, real change began. Understanding that reforms must work beyond paper, Dr. Zacch launched an aggressive modernization drive. FIRS accelerated internal reforms, digitised processes, automated over 80% of returns processing, and upgraded the TaxProMax system with new modules that made tax compliance smarter and easier. Nigerians weren’t waiting for change — we were making it happen. By late 2024, four draft bills were introduced: the Nigeria Revenue Service Bill, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Taxation (Consolidation) Bill, and the Joint Tax Board Bill. These bills were crafted to streamline tax laws, harmonise administration, and expand the tax base — all without putting undue pressure on taxpayers. Through public hearings and rigorous consultations, the National Assembly ensured that every voice was heard. Some proposals were revised, such as the decision to maintain the current VAT rate. On March 13, 2025, the House of Representatives passed the Tax Reform Bills. After the Senate returns from recess on April 29, 2025, it is expected to debate and pass them, after which the bills will move to the President’s desk for assent. We are now in the final stretch. But it’s important to remember how we got here: it took presidential resolve, expert contributions, and above all, the steadfast leadership of Dr. Zacch. He didn’t just oversee the process — he owned it, driving it forward with clarity, purpose, and tangible results. With sustained execution and the right structures in place, these reforms will lay the foundation for a stronger, more resilient Nigerian economy — one that benefits both the government and the people. The Tax Reform Bills are not just another trend. They represent the change we demanded — and most importantly, the change that’s here to stay. 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.

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LIST OF BOOKS THAT ARE NOT VAT-EXEMPT UNDER NIGERIA’S MODIFICATION ORDER 2021

Below is a categorized list of books not exempt from Value Added Tax (VAT) according to Nigeria’s Modification Order 2021. These books do not qualify for VAT exemption unless they are specifically used for formal education purposes. 1. Fiction Books 📖 2. Business & Finance Books 💼 3. Self-Help & Motivational Books 🚀 4. Religious Books (Not Used for Formal Education) ✝️🕌 (Note: Religious books used in formal theological studies may still be VAT-exempt.) 5. Entertainment & Celebrity Books 🎭 6. Lifestyle & Hobby Books 🎨 7. Sports, Fitness & Wellness Books 🏋️‍♂️ 8. Astrology, Mysticism & Occult Books 🔮 9. Art, Design & Photography Books 🎭📷 10. Humor & Satire Books 😂 Implications for Book Sellers and Buyers Bookstores must properly categorize their inventory to ensure correct VAT application. Example: A bookstore selling school textbooks should not charge VAT, but if they also sell fiction novels, those must include 7.5% VAT. In summary; Clarifications on VAT-Exempt Books: 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.

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NESG Warns That Scrapping VAT Hike Could Cut Government Revenue 

The Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG) has cautioned that the Federal Government risks revenue shortfalls if it does not raise the value-added tax (VAT) rate as part of the ongoing tax reform efforts. NESG’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Tayo Aduloju, made this statement during an interactive media session over the weekend in Abuja. He stressed that while VAT system reforms are necessary, keeping the current VAT rate unchanged could result in substantial revenue losses for the government. “Without those rate hikes, the government could lose significant revenue,” Aduloju warned. He explained that the ongoing fiscal and tax reforms aim to simplify the tax system while ensuring the government generates enough revenue to support its ambitious budgetary plans. However, he cautioned that merely reducing the number of taxes without adjusting the VAT rate could weaken the government’s revenue base. “If we successfully reform the VAT system, even if we delay a rate hike for three years, it would still be a win. Efficiency gains could attract more companies to invest in Nigeria,” he added. Aduloju emphasized the need to strike a balance between tax simplification and revenue sustainability, noting that reforms must not compromise the government’s financial stability. He also highlighted the importance of unlocking investment opportunities by addressing legal, regulatory, and policy obstacles that hinder foreign direct investment. Additionally, he called for better coordination between monetary and fiscal policies to curb inflation, particularly those driven by high energy costs. He argued that inefficiencies in the downstream petroleum sector contribute to persistent price hikes and that energy security remains a crucial factor affecting inflation. Meanwhile, the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum have opposed the proposed VAT rate increase outlined in the Federal Government’s Tax Reform Bills, warning that it could exacerbate economic hardship for Nigerians. 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.

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7 Essential Personal Finance Tasks to Tackle in April 2025: From Tax Planning to Investing

In the ever-evolving world of finance, what worked in the past may not necessarily work in the present or future. It’s important to regularly reassess your financial strategies and make adjustments as needed, either independently or with the help of a professional financial planner. The start of a new financial year is the perfect time to do this. As we kick off the Financial Year 2025-26 on April 1, now is the ideal opportunity to get your financial affairs in order. Below, we’ve outlined seven personal finance tasks that you should consider tackling this April. While many of us focus on tax savings and new investment opportunities, it’s equally important to review your overall financial strategy as the new financial year begins. Take time to assess your budget—this can help you identify areas where you can cut unnecessary expenses, fix any errors from the previous year, and increase your savings. Additionally, revisiting your financial goals will ensure you’re on track to meet them. If not, consider adjusting your strategies or consulting a financial planner for guidance. April is the perfect time to start planning your taxes for the upcoming year. With the recent changes in the Budget 2025, including updates to the new tax regime, it’s important to reassess your tax strategy. For instance, if your income is under ₹12 lakh, you may not need to make certain tax-saving investments you previously did under the old tax regime. While you now have the flexibility to direct your funds differently, it’s essential to make thoughtful choices when it comes to tax-saving investments. To avoid unnecessary TDS deductions on your interest income, consider submitting Form 15G or Form 15H. Form 15G is available to individuals under 60 years of age with no taxable income, while Form 15H is for those over 60. Submitting these forms can help reduce TDS deductions on your income, but be sure to check if you’re eligible to file them. If you regularly invest a lump sum in schemes like the Public Provident Fund (PPF) and the National Pension System (NPS), consider making your investments in the first week of April. This allows you to earn interest for the entire year in PPF and potentially benefit from better returns in NPS, especially after recent market corrections. However, keep in mind that these investments won’t help with tax deductions under the new tax regime, so make sure your investment strategy aligns with your overall financial goals. April is an excellent time to begin preparing for your Income Tax Return (ITR) filing for the assessment year 2025-26 (for income earned in FY 2024-25). The deadline for filing ITR is July 31, 2025, for those whose accounts don’t need auditing. If you’re a salaried employee, you’ll need to wait for Form 16 from your employer (typically available after June 15), but in the meantime, you can start gathering other income proofs, such as capital gains, rental income, and professional income. It’s also helpful to organize your tax-saving investment documents and consult a tax expert if you have foreign income to report. Akshaya Tritiya, which falls on April 30, 2025, is traditionally a time for purchasing gold. If you’re buying gold for religious or spiritual reasons, go ahead with confidence. However, if you’re considering it as an investment, be cautious. Gold prices have surged significantly over the past year, and it’s important not to overexpose yourself to the yellow metal. Ideally, no more than 10% of your investment portfolio should be in gold. Finally, a more enjoyable task—plan your summer vacation! Whether you’re traveling with family or solo, booking your travel tickets early can save you a significant amount of money. Last-minute bookings often lead to inflated prices for flights and hotels, so it’s wise to plan ahead and secure better deals. By addressing these tasks early in the new financial year, you’ll set yourself up for a more organized and financially secure year ahead. Don’t wait until the end of the year—start now to make the most of the opportunities that lie ahead! 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

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Naira Drops 3% as CBN Injects $1.03bn to Support Local Currency

In March, the naira (NGN) experienced a notable decline against the US dollar (USD) across both official and parallel foreign exchange markets, despite significant interventions from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). The naira depreciated by 3%, even as the CBN injected more than $1 billion into the official market to stabilize forex inflows. The rise in demand for US dollars put significant pressure on the exchange rate, causing the naira to struggle against the greenback. Without the CBN’s aggressive FX interventions, analysts suggest that the naira’s performance could have been worse in March. CBN’s Support Helps Stabilize the Official Window During the final week of March, the official forex window saw relative stability, aided by an increased dollar supply from the CBN. Early in the week, the CBN sold $41.6 million, with exchange rates fluctuating between N1,527.50 and N1,531. This action helped curb further volatility in the market. Midweek, the CBN injected an additional $27.9 million, with the NGN/USD exchange rate trading within a narrow range. By the end of the week, rates ranged from N1,520.00 to N1,542.00, with the naira showing a slight week-on-week appreciation of 0.5 basis points, closing at N1,536.82. Market Overview: CBN Injects $1.03bn in March Throughout March, the CBN supported the market with a total of $1.03 billion, yet the official exchange rate still saw a 3% depreciation, ending at N1,536. The parallel market fared similarly, with a 3.23% drop, reaching N1,550. Despite the downturn, the year-to-date gains were positive, with the official rate up 0.09% and the parallel market up 6.13%, as reported by TrustBank Financial Group Limited. FX Reserves Decline, Forward Contracts See Naira Appreciation The nation’s foreign exchange reserves declined for the second consecutive week, dropping by $913.14 million to $38.33 billion. Meanwhile, in the forwards market, naira rates saw an increase across various contracts. The 1-month FX forward contract appreciated by 0.5% to N1,572.44, the 3-month contract rose by 1.3% to N1,635.09, the 6-month contract climbed by 2.4% to N1,727.16, and the 1-year contract surged by 4.8% to N1,899.27 per dollar. Market Outlook: CBN to Continue Liquidity Support Experts predict that the CBN will likely maintain its support for market liquidity, particularly amid weaker Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI) participation in the FX market. This intervention is expected to help maintain stability for the naira in the short term. Global Oil and Gold Prices: A Mixed Outlook On the global stage, oil prices dipped on Friday amid concerns that ongoing U.S. tariff disputes could trigger a global recession. However, prices still remain on track for a third consecutive weekly gain, largely due to rising U.S. pressure on Venezuela and Iran. Brent crude futures fell by 0.6%, settling at $73.54 per barrel, while WTI crude dropped 0.9% to $69.31. Meanwhile, gold surged to a record high as investors flocked to safe-haven assets in response to escalating trade war fears. 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

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Nigerian Banks Contribute N205bn in Windfall Tax to Federal Government

Nigerian banks have collectively paid N205.49 billion ($132 million) in windfall taxes to the Federal Government, a move proposed by President Bola Tinubu to strengthen the nation’s financial reserves. Last year, Nigerian lawmakers approved a 70% tax on foreign-exchange gains earned by banks. This tax was set to take effect from the start of the new foreign-exchange rate policy, continuing until the end of 2025. The naira’s sharp depreciation following Tinubu’s relaxation of foreign exchange controls in 2023 resulted in substantial profits for some banks. In July 2024, the Nigerian government passed the Windfall Tax Bill, amending Section 29A of the Finance Act 2023, which imposed taxes on realized foreign exchange gains made by banks. As of now, nine banks have released their full-year 2024 earnings reports, confirming that the windfall tax payments have begun to be made to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS). Zenith Bank topped the list with the highest payment, contributing N63.3 billion, followed by United Bank for Africa (UBA) with N57.9 billion and Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) at N51.24 billion, according to data compiled by MoneyCentral. GTCO reported in its 2024 full-year financial statement: “The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has assessed the Bank’s liability for the windfall tax, advising a total provision of N51 billion, which includes N23.7 billion for the year 2023. The Bank has recognized this provision in its financial statements, reflecting its commitment to comply with tax obligations and contribute to national revenue.” Other banks that paid the tax include Stanbic IBTC with N17.1 billion, Fidelity Bank with N13.3 billion, and Wema Bank with N2.616 billion. Ecobank Transnational, FCMB, a tier-2 lender, and FirstHoldCo Plc have not disclosed any windfall tax payments. FirstHoldCo Plc, which reported a currency revaluation loss of N332.78 billion in 2023, is likely exempt from the tax. As of the time of this report, Access Bank had yet to release its full-year 2024 results. The windfall tax is levied on foreign currency revaluation gains, which include net gains from the revaluation of foreign currency-denominated assets and liabilities, as well as the effective portion of gains on derivatives designated in fair value hedge of foreign currency risks. Moody’s Ratings indicated last year that the increase in the windfall tax rate to 70% from the previous 50% would have negative credit implications for banks. This new tax comes after the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) gave banks two years to strengthen their capital, ordering international banks to raise their capital ten-fold to N500 billion ($314 million) and local banks to increase their capital by eight-fold to N200 billion. 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

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NESG Warns Removal of VAT Hike Could Lead to Decline in Government Revenue

The Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG) has cautioned that the Federal Government could face significant revenue shortfalls if it does not proceed with increasing the Value Added Tax (VAT) rate as part of the ongoing tax reform process. Dr. Tayo Aduloju, the Chief Executive Officer of NESG, made this statement during an interactive media session in Abuja over the weekend. He stressed that while reforms to the VAT system are crucial, keeping the current VAT rate without an increase could result in considerable revenue loss for the government. Aduloju commented, “Without those rate hikes, it means that the government might lose some revenue.” He explained that the ongoing fiscal and tax reforms aim to address the complexities of the tax system while ensuring sufficient revenue generation to support the government’s ambitious budget plans. He further emphasized that the current tax reform process must strike a balance between simplifying the tax system and increasing the VAT rate to ensure revenue stability. “Simply reducing the number of taxes without adjusting the VAT rate could weaken the government’s revenue base,” Aduloju noted. Aduloju also suggested that even if the VAT rate hike is postponed for up to three years, it would still be a positive outcome, as it would demonstrate efficiency and help attract more foreign investment into Nigeria. “If we win on the reform of the VAT system, and even if we postpone the rate hike by three years, it will still be a win,” he said. While acknowledging the need for tax reforms to reduce the multiplicity of taxes, Aduloju stressed that these reforms should not come at the expense of revenue generation. He also highlighted the importance of unlocking investment opportunities to boost revenue, pointing out that Nigeria has ample assets that could attract foreign direct investment if legal, regulatory, and policy barriers were addressed. Additionally, Aduloju called for better coordination between monetary and fiscal policies to tackle inflation, particularly those caused by high energy costs. He emphasized that energy security plays a critical role in managing inflation, noting that inefficiencies in the downstream petroleum sector contribute to persistent price increases. The proposed VAT rate hike has faced opposition from the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, both of which warn that such a move could exacerbate the economic hardships experienced by many Nigerians. 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

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