Navigating Tax and Regulatory Hurdles in Nigeria’s Fintech Sector

The rapid growth and innovation within the Nigerian Fintech industry have transformed the financial landscape and presented unique and complex tax challenges. As Fintech companies continue to disrupt traditional financial services and expand their operations, navigating the evolving taxation landscape has become critical. The growth and competition within the payment gateway industry, as exemplified by companies like Flutterwave, Paystack, Remita, Interswitch, and others, are truly remarkable to witness. As reported by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), E-payment transactions in 2022 reached an impressive volume of 22 billion. At the same time, data from the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement Systems (NIBSS) shows that electronic transactions amounting to ₦38.9 trillion were conducted through the NIBSS Instant Payment platform (NIP) as of November 2022 (+50.2% vs November 2021: ₦25.9 trillion). This is a testament to the robust expansion of the Fintech sector in Nigeria, attracting policymakers in terms of supporting their growth and boosting tax collections from the sector. We will delve into the problems and obstacles at hand, while also exploring potential solutions for the way forward.

Examining the Recent Amendments to the Customs, Excise Tariff, etc. (Consolidation) Act (CETA)

The Finance Act of 2023 (FA2023 or the Act) was officially signed into law on May 28, 2023, under the leadership of His Excellency, former President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR. The commencement date for these amendments is September 1, 2023, as per the Finance Act (Effective Date Variation) Order of 2023, signed by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on July 6, 2023. This Act represents the fourth iteration of the Finance Act series, which commenced in 2019. It primarily refines and clarifies certain modifications introduced by its predecessors, namely the Finance Acts of 2019, 2020, and 2021, aligning them more closely with the government’s fiscal objectives and the current economic landscape. This article will focus on amendments made by the Finance Act 2023 to the Customs, Excise Tariff, etc. (Consolidation) Act (CETA) and an overview of its economic Impact.

Nigeria’s Tax Reform: Easing the Burden on the Taxpayer and Tax Collector

In an ever-evolving economic landscape, Nigeria stands at a critical juncture, poised to reform its tax system to address the longstanding challenges faced by both taxpayers and tax collectors. The burden of taxation has weighed heavily on individuals and businesses for years, often accompanied by inefficiencies in revenue collection that hinder the government’s ability to provide essential services. However, with a renewed commitment to tax reform exemplified by initiatives like the newly established Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reform Committee, Nigeria is embarking on a transformative journey aimed at not only lightening the load on its taxpayers but also streamlining the processes for tax collection. This paradigm shift signifies an important moment in the nation’s fiscal history, promising improved equity, transparency, and efficiency in the tax system, ultimately fostering economic growth and development for the benefit of all stakeholders. Therefore, the objective of this article is to examine reforms that can alleviate the challenges faced by both tax collectors and taxpayers.

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