The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has officially announced that the newly gazetted withholding tax regime will take effect from January 1, 2025, in a change that is poised to bring significant alterations to the current withholding tax system, which has been in place for decades.

In a notice signed by the Executive Chairman of FIRS, Zacch Adedeji, the service clarified that the existing withholding tax regime, outlined in the Company Income Tax (CIT) regulation, will remain in force until December 31, 2024. The FIRS emphasized the importance of compliance with tax regulations and urged taxpayers, tax practitioners, and the general public to prepare for the upcoming changes.

The notice states, “The Federal Inland Revenue Service (“the Service”) hereby notifies taxpayers, tax practitioners, and the general public as follows:

“The Deduction of Tax at Source Withholding (WHT) Regulations, 2024 published in the Federal Government Gazette takes effect from January 1, 2025.

“The current WHT regime as enshrined in the Companies Income Tax (Rates, ETC, of Taxes Deducted at Source (Withholding Tax) Regulations (S.I.10 of 1997) and relevant WHT provisions remains in force up to and until December 31, 2024.”

The Evolution of Withholding Tax in Nigeria

The introduction of the new withholding tax regime marks a significant shift from a system that has largely remained unchanged since its establishment in 1978. The old regulations have faced increasing scrutiny for being outdated and ambiguous, particularly as the scope of taxable transactions has expanded over the years.

The previous system, known for its lack of clarity, led to complexities that created barriers for businesses, especially those operating on thin margins. Issues such as inequities in tax burden and the strain on working capital for low-margin businesses prompted the need for reform.

The Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, had previously indicated in June that the government approved a new withholding tax regime, awaiting an official gazette, as a means to address these long-standing concerns.

Key Changes and Reforms

The new withholding tax regime, known as The Deduction of Tax at Source (Withholding) Regulations, 2024, seeks to overhaul the previous regulations by implementing the following key reforms.

Reduced Rates for Low-Margin Businesses

Recognizing the unique challenges faced by smaller businesses, the new regulations will feature reduced withholding tax rates for low-margin companies. This change aims to ease the tax burden on these entities, allowing them to maintain better cash flow.

Exemptions for Small Businesses

In a bid to foster growth and encourage entrepreneurship, the revised regime will exempt small businesses from withholding tax. This exemption is expected to stimulate economic activity by allowing smaller enterprises to reinvest more of their income back into their operations.

Measures Against Tax Evasion

The new regulations will introduce enhanced measures to combat tax evasion and avoidance, ensuring a more equitable tax system. These measures are crucial for maintaining public trust in the tax administration and ensuring that all taxpayers contribute fairly.

Deduction Timing and Key Terms

One of the significant criticisms of the previous system was its ambiguity regarding when tax deductions should occur. The updated regulations will provide clearer guidelines on deduction timing and important terms, helping taxpayers understand their obligations better.

Implications for Taxpayers and Businesses

The FIRS has reiterated that withholding tax (WHT) serves as an advance collection method for income tax, with rates ranging from 5% to 10%, depending on the nature of the transaction. Taxpayers will be required to submit returns by the 21st of the month following the deduction, with penalties for late filing set at N25,000 for the first month and N5,000 for each additional month of non-compliance.

Taxpayers are urged to familiarize themselves with the new regulations, as non-compliance can result in financial penalties. The FIRS’s proactive communication signals an effort to prepare businesses for a smooth transition to the new regime.

The new withholding tax regime is part of a broader strategy by the Nigerian government to modernize its tax system, ensuring it aligns with contemporary economic realities and promotes fairness.

The Presidential Tax Reform Committee was set up in 2023 with the aim of rectifying the inadequacies of the tax system. The reforms are expected to ease businesses of the burden of multiple taxation and foster a more conducive environment for businesses.

A new report by Public First has shed light on the significant impact of Google’s digital tools and services on Nigeria’s economy, revealing that the tech giant contributed an estimated $1.8 billion to the country’s economy in 2023 alone.

The Nigeria Digital Opportunity report, released on Thursday, highlights the crucial role that platforms like Google Search, Ads, Google Play, YouTube, and Google Cloud played in enhancing the productivity of Nigerian businesses, creators, and workers. It also highlighted the opportunity that the evolution of artificial intelligence holds for Nigeria’s digital economy, estimating the value at billions of dollars in the near future.

The report further underscores how Google’s educational initiatives, including its digital skills and Career Certificates programs, have equipped millions of Nigerians with critical skills. In 2023, more than 1.5 million young adults in Nigeria acquired new digital competencies, positioning themselves for a more technologically driven future, according to the report.

As Nigeria experiences rapid digital transformation, the Nigeria Digital Opportunity report outlines tremendous potential for even further economic growth. The study points out that for every $1 invested in digital technology in Nigeria, more than $8 in economic value is generated. This impressive return reinforces the idea that digital technology—particularly innovations such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), and enhanced connectivity—is pivotal to Nigeria’s economic trajectory.

Projections within the report estimate that AI alone could boost Nigeria’s economy by an additional $15 billion by 2030. Google’s commitment to responsible AI development is expected to be a driving force behind this growth, creating opportunities for Nigerian businesses to leverage cutting-edge technology.

To ensure Nigeria fully capitalizes on this opportunity, the report offers strategic recommendations for policymakers. It advocates for the adoption of cloud-first policies and improvements to digital infrastructure to facilitate AI integration. It also stresses the importance of strengthening STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education and increasing AI literacy to prepare the Nigerian workforce for the future.

Olumide Balogun, Director for West Africa at Google, commented on the findings of the report, expressing optimism about the future of Nigeria’s digital economy.

“We’re thrilled to see the positive impact that digital technology is having on Nigeria’s economy. This report underscores the importance of continued investment in digital skills and infrastructure to unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s vibrant digital economy,” he said.

Amy Price, Director & Head of Technology Policy at Public First, echoed this sentiment, noting the critical role of technological investment in shaping Nigeria’s future.

He said: “Nigeria is a digital front-runner in Africa, and tech investment will be a powerful catalyst for further growth and development across the country. This is particularly true when it comes to connectivity, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence.”

Google’s Long-Term Commitment to Nigeria’s Digital Economy

Google’s impact in Nigeria is part of a broader, long-term investment strategy in Africa. In 2021, the tech giant announced a $1 billion commitment to accelerate the continent’s digital economy. This pledge focused on expanding internet access, supporting local entrepreneurs, and driving innovation across African markets, with Nigeria at the forefront.

One of the flagship projects of this investment is the Equiano fiber-optic cable, which landed in Nigeria in 2022. Named after Nigerian-born writer and abolitionist Olaudah Equiano, the cable connects Western Africa to Europe, bringing with it around 20 times more network capacity than the last undersea cable installed in the region. Equiano is projected to increase internet penetration in Nigeria by 7% by 2025, making internet access faster, more reliable, and more affordable for millions of Nigerians.

This boost in connectivity is crucial for Nigeria, a country where digital adoption has surged in recent years but remains unevenly distributed. The increased network capacity is expected to help bridge the gap between urban and rural areas, enabling more people to participate in the digital economy. Faster internet access also powers numerous Google-funded programs aimed at developing the skills of young Nigerians and entrepreneurs.

The Nigeria Digital Opportunity report highlights how Google’s ecosystem of tools and services has already made a substantial impact, and with further investments in connectivity, AI, and digital skills, the potential for future growth is even greater.

For policymakers, the challenge lies in creating an enabling environment that fosters innovation while ensuring that all Nigerians, from urban hubs to rural communities, can access and benefit from these technological advancements.

The Lagos State Government’s announcement of a plan to ban the circulation of single-use plastics (SUPs), such as PET bottles and sachet water, starting in January 2025 has sparked discussions about its impact on businesses and the economy.

This measure is understood to be part of the state’s broader strategy to combat the mounting plastic waste problem that has clogged drainage systems and contributed to environmental degradation.

At the stakeholders’ workshop held at the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) House in Ikeja, Lagos, representatives from both the private sector and the government gathered to discuss the potential impacts of the ban. Tokunbo Wahab, Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, who was represented by his Special Adviser on The Environment, Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, explained that the policy is part of broader efforts to manage plastic waste sustainably and ensure a healthy environment for Lagosians.

“It has become a highly visible part of the waste stream, PET, Styrofoam, and nylon for sachet water, popularly called “pure water” commonly being used for water and beverages, take away plates and cups, carrier bags, among others.

“This development is posing environmental challenges ranging from Ecosystems degradation, Drainage clogging and flooding, Lagoon and Ocean debris with attendant harm to human resulting in high socio-economic impacts on the State,” he said.

Wahab outlined that the SUP ban would be backed by appropriate legal frameworks and an enabling law. He disclosed that Lagos currently generates around 13,000 tonnes of waste monthly, with plastics accounting for over 60% of the waste.

The proposed ban builds on earlier measures taken in January 2024, when the state government prohibited the use of styrofoam in all government establishments and throughout the metropolis due to the rising prevalence of plastic waste.

However, the move has also revived concerns about Nigeria’s long-standing reliance on bans as a solution to complex challenges, a strategy that, in the past, has resulted in the collapse of industries and severe economic repercussions.

Nigeria’s governments, both at the federal and state levels, have historically turned to outright bans as a quick fix for various problems. While these measures are often introduced with the aim of addressing pressing issues—ranging from environmental hazards to public safety—they have also frequently led to unintended consequences.

One of the most glaring examples of this approach is the 2020 motorcycle (popularly known as “okada”) ban in Lagos. This policy not only targeted informal motorcycle operators but also brought down burgeoning tech-driven motorbike ride-hailing startups like Gokada, Max.ng, and ORide.

The okada ban, introduced with the intent to improve road safety and reduce traffic congestion, essentially wiped out a nascent industry that had attracted millions of dollars in foreign investment.

Gokada, for instance, had raised $5.3 million in funding and was poised to become a major player in Nigeria’s transportation ecosystem. However, the blanket ban left these companies struggling to pivot their business models or face collapse, resulting in massive job losses and the stifling of innovation in an industry that held great promise for urban mobility.

Against this historical backdrop, stakeholders in the plastics industry are now raising concerns regarding the looming 2025 ban on SUPs. While the environmental benefits of curbing plastic waste are clear, many fear that an outright ban, without sufficient support for businesses to transition to alternative materials, could lead to the collapse of key sectors and further exacerbate the economic challenges facing Nigeria.

In light of these concerns, stakeholders in the water packaging and plastic manufacturing sectors are urging the Lagos State Government to reconsider the implementation strategy for the SUP ban. They are calling for a phased approach, which they argue would allow businesses enough time to transition to eco-friendly alternatives and prevent the severe economic shocks that could arise from a sudden enforcement of the ban.

Mosaku Ololade, chairperson of the Lagos chapter of the Association for Table Water Producers of Nigeria (ATWAP), reiterated the need for a phased implementation.

“We have over 2,000 members in Lagos alone, with over 10,000 workers. We implore the government to implement the ban in phases, allowing our members ample opportunity for compliance,” Ololade stated.

Economic Implications of the SUP Ban

Experts have warned that the impending SUP ban in Lagos carries significant economic implications, particularly for the small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) involved in plastic manufacturing and water packaging. Many of these businesses operate in the informal sector, providing livelihoods for thousands of Nigerians. Business leaders warn that an abrupt enforcement of the ban could lead to the collapse of these businesses, with ripple effects across the supply chain, from plastic manufacturers to distributors and retailers.

In addition to job losses, they also pointed out that the sudden elimination of single-use plastics could lead to supply chain disruptions, particularly in the food and beverage industry, where plastic packaging plays a critical role in product distribution and shelf life. Without viable, cost-effective alternatives, businesses may face increased operational costs, which could ultimately be passed on to consumers in the form of higher prices.

Policymakers Deserve Punishment for Harmful Policies

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) recently warned against policies that could be detrimental to business operations, particularly those that are introduced without adequate consultation or a clear transition plan. The Director-General of MAN, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, has been vocal about the need to hold policymakers accountable for enacting what he calls “business-killing policies.”

Ajayi-Kadir argues that policies like the SUP ban, while well-intentioned, have the potential to cripple entire industries if they are not properly executed. In a recent address, he called for punitive measures against policymakers who introduce and enforce regulations that result in the collapse of industries or significant job losses.

“There must be consequences for government officials who make policies that ruin businesses,” Ajayi-Kadir stressed. “I mean, you make a policy today, it becomes a disaster for industry, and government simply changes it, and you walk away. We don’t have this luxury in the private sector. If you make a mistake, your business is gone, and you could distrain your property. So, I think we need to see that movement also on the part of government.”

His comments reflect a growing frustration among Nigerian businesses, which have often borne the brunt of abrupt regulatory changes. The collapse of the motorbike ride-hailing industry following the 2020 okada ban is one example, adding to numerous other instances where policy decisions have led to the demise of promising sectors.