WorldStage– The Federal Government of Nigeria has released comprehensive guidelines for the implementation of the Tax Acts 2025, outlining the transition process from Nigeria’s repealed tax laws to the new tax framework that took effect on January 1, 2026.
The guidelines, issued by the Federal Ministry of Finance, provide clarity for taxpayers, tax practitioners, revenue authorities and other stakeholders on the treatment of tax obligations and transactions during the transition period.
According to the document, tax liabilities, assessments, audits, investigations, disputes and enforcement actions relating to periods before the commencement of the new tax regime will continue to be governed by the repealed tax laws.
The Tax Acts 2025 comprise the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, the Nigeria Tax Act, the Nigeria Tax Administration Act and the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Act, with each law taking effect from its respective commencement date.
Under the guidelines, tax returns for accounting periods ending before January 1, 2026, will be filed under the old tax laws, while returns due from that date onward will be administered under the new framework.
The document also provides guidance on the treatment of income taxes, transaction taxes, development levies, tax incentives, exemptions, record-keeping requirements and transactions that span both the old and new tax systems.
The government clarified that existing tax incentives and exemptions granted under the repealed laws will remain valid until their expiration dates. However, new applications and pending requests will be considered under the provisions of the Tax Acts 2025.
Speaking on the release of the guidelines, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, said the framework was designed to address transitional issues while ensuring that the new tax laws are not applied retrospectively.
He described the Tax Acts 2025 as a major milestone in Nigeria’s tax reform programme, noting that the guidelines clearly define how existing obligations, ongoing matters and future transactions will be handled under the new regime.
Oyedele said the transition framework is built on the principles of clarity, fairness and administrative certainty to support smooth implementation across the country.
According to him, the guidelines are expected to promote uniform administration by the Nigeria Revenue Service, State Internal Revenue Services, the Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service, Local Government Revenue Committees, tax practitioners and taxpayers.
The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to building a transparent, efficient and modern tax system capable of supporting economic growth, improving revenue administration, encouraging voluntary compliance and enhancing Nigeria’s investment climate.
