Nigeria’s Tax Reforms 2026 simplify taxation, ease burdens on workers and SMEs, and strengthen fiscal sustainability, says Joseph Tegbe

Joseph Tegbe has affirmed that Nigeria’s Tax Reforms 2026 are designed to ease the financial burden on workers and small businesses while strengthening the country’s fiscal sustainability and economic competitiveness.

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Speaking at the BusinessDay Tax Reform Conference 2026 themed “Navigating the New Tax Regime: What It Means for Your Wallet,” Tegbe described the reforms as the most comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s tax framework in decades.

The reforms aim to simplify taxation, improve fairness, and encourage economic growth.

Anchored on four landmark legislations—the [“law”,”Nigeria Tax Act 2025″,”Nigeria”], [“law”,”Nigeria Tax Administration Act 2025″,”Nigeria”], Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act 2025″], and the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Act 2025—the reforms introduce targeted reliefs for individuals and small businesses.

Under the new framework, individuals earning less than ₦800,000 annually will pay no personal income tax, while workers can claim rent relief of up to 20 percent, capped at ₦500,000.

Small businesses with annual revenues below ₦100 million and assets under ₦250 million are exempted from Company Income Tax, while nano-enterprises earning under ₦12 million annually are also tax-exempt.

Tegbe emphasised the need for proper documentation and timely filing of returns, even for those exempted.

“These reforms are designed to make taxation simpler, fairer, and more predictable for Nigerians,” Tegbe said.

“For most workers and small businesses, the new regime means paying the same or even lower taxes while operating within a more transparent system.”

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The reforms also strengthen Nigeria’s tax administration through better coordination among the Service”,”Nigeria”], Revenue Board of Nigeria”,”Nigeria”], the Tax Appeal Tribunal “,”Executive Secretary, Joint Revenue Board”], Micheal AngoCT Internal Revenue Service”], Prof Uwaleke Uche and Dr Sam Amadi.