Tinubu’s Tax Reform: What It Means for Nigerians

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s proposed tax reforms have sparked heated debates across Nigeria. From bustling marketplaces to government offices, everyone seems to have an opinion. 

These reforms aim to modernize Nigeria’s tax system, simplify collections, and bring relief to citizens and businesses alike. 

While some applaud the move, others remain skeptical about the impact. Let’s break it down in simple terms to help you understand the changes and what they could mean for you.

What Are the Tax Reform Bills?

Tinubu introduced four major tax bills to the National Assembly:

1. Nigeria Tax Bill
2. Nigeria Tax Administration Bill
3. Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill
4. Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill

These bills focus on easing the financial burden on individuals and businesses while ensuring the government collects taxes more efficiently.

How it can be a big change for everyday Nigerians

Tax Relief for Low Earners

If you earn ₦800,000 or less annually, you’ll no longer pay income tax. This means you can save up to ₦84,000 every year.

Fewer Taxes for Small Businesses

Businesses with an annual turnover below ₦50 million won’t have to pay income tax anymore. This is a big leap from the previous ₦25 million threshold, giving small businesses room to grow without heavy tax burdens.

Higher Thresholds for Top Tax Rates

Previously, individuals earning above ₦3.2 million annually were taxed at 25%. Now, this rate applies only to those earning above ₦50 million.

How it can be a support for businesses

Lower Corporate Taxes

Medium and large companies will see a gradual reduction in corporate tax rates from 30% to 25% by 2026. This change aims to encourage businesses to reinvest in the economy.

No More ‘Minimum Tax’

Businesses that don’t declare profits will no longer have to pay a mandatory 1% tax on gross earnings.

A Fairer Development Levy

Big companies will now pay a 2% development levy instead of the current 3.75%. Starting in 2030, funds from this levy will directly support student loans, linking taxes to education improvement.

Changes in value added tax (VAT)

Higher State Revenues

The share of VAT revenue going to states will increase from 50% to 55%, giving local governments more funds to support development projects.

Gradual VAT Increase with Exemptions

VAT will rise gradually from 7.5% today to 15% by 2030. However, essential items like food, electricity, school fees, and medical services will remain VAT-free to protect low-income families.

Energy and infrastructure investments

Gas Industry Boost

Tax breaks for gas projects aim to increase energy supply and attract investors to both associated and non-associated gas developments.

Streamlined Tax Administration

The Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) will take over tax collection from agencies like Customs. This ensures that regulatory bodies focus on oversight rather than collections, reducing inefficiency.

Strengthening compliance and transparency

Tracking Big Spenders

The government plans to audit individuals spending over ₦25 million per month or businesses spending ₦100 million monthly. Bank records will help flag potential tax evaders.

Flexible Payment Options

Taxes assessed in foreign currencies can now be paid in Naira at official exchange rates, easing the burden on taxpayers managing multiple currencies.

Timely Tax Refunds

Funds for verified tax refunds will be deducted upfront from collections, ensuring faster payouts for eligible taxpayers.

Empowering Local Governments

The Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill brings big changes to local tax systems:

• Local Revenue Committees
  Local government areas (LGAs) will now manage taxes, fines, and rates within their jurisdictions. This localized approach could improve efficiency and transparency.

What to expect

If passed, these reforms could transform how taxes are collected and spent in Nigeria. By reducing burdens on the poor and small businesses while ensuring fairness, Tinubu’s tax reforms aim to create a more balanced and inclusive economy.

However, the debate continues. Critics argue that some changes, like VAT increases, may still hurt consumers in the long run. Supporters, on the other hand, see these reforms as a step toward a stronger, fairer Nigeria.

What do you think? Could these reforms truly change everything?