The Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, has explained how income earned by Nigerians through remote jobs, social media influencing, or business imports will be taxed under new fiscal reforms taking effect from January 1, 2026.
Oyedele gave the clarification during a tax education session organised by the Redeemed Christian Church of God, City of David, Lagos.
In a video from the session circulating on social media on Tuesday, Oyedele stressed that Nigerians working remotely for foreign employers are now legally required to declare their earnings and pay tax in Nigeria.
“If you are a remote worker, you are a worker. The fact that your employer is abroad does not exempt you from tax. If they were in Nigeria, they would deduct at source. Since they are not, you are expected to self-declare,” he said.
He cautioned that anyone who fails to declare income would be tracked through financial records and penalised.
“The government will see the money movement. If you don’t declare, it will be deemed your income, taxed, with penalties and interest for delay,” Oyedele added.
He further noted that the same rule applies to social media influencers who generate income online.
On importers’ concerns, Oyedele explained that tax reliefs would depend on the type of business, whether trade, manufacturing, or other sectors.
Addressing fears of multiple taxation, he assured that the new law clearly defines which level of government collects specific taxes.
“The law now states who collects what. National Revenue Service will collect some taxes, states (will collect) others, and local governments (will collect) theirs. Individuals only need to focus on personal income tax,” he said.
Oyedele emphasized that the reforms slash the number of taxes payable, simplify compliance, and reduce disputes. He also clarified that upkeep allowances and gifts remain untaxed, but payments for any product or service, including unconventional work, fall under taxable income.
Calling the framework “the most transformative in Nigeria’s history,” he said it will streamline tax administration, curb multiple taxation, and increase government revenue.
Under the new policy, individuals earning below ₦800,000 annually will be exempt from personal income tax, while small businesses with turnover up to ₦100 million and assets not exceeding ₦250 million will be exempt from company income tax, capital gains tax, and the new development levy.
