New Nigerian Tax Reforms: What SMEs/MSMEs Need to Know — Opportunities, Risks, and Strategic Imperatives

By Abiodun Abdullai

Nigeria’s business landscape has entered a defining new era following the enactment of four transformative tax reform acts signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on June 26, 2025. The Nigeria Tax Act (NTA), Nigeria Tax Administration Act (NTAA), Nigeria Revenue Service Act (NRSA), and Joint Revenue Board Act (JRBA) collectively represent the most comprehensive tax overhaul in the nation’s history.

While the reforms are designed to boost revenue, improve tax compliance, and attract investment, they carry far-reaching implications — particularly for the country’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which account for over 80% of employment and contribute nearly half of Nigeria’s GDP.

Expanded Tax Relief: A Welcome Lifeline

A significant win for small businesses is the upward revision of the tax exemption threshold. Companies with an annual turnover of up to NGN100 million (previously NGN25 million) and total fixed assets not exceeding NGN250 million are now fully exempt from Companies Income Tax (CIT), Capital Gains Tax (CGT), and the newly introduced Development Levy.

This strategic shift provides critical breathing space for MSMEs to reinvest earnings, strengthen operations, and expand without the heavy tax burden that previously stifled growth and innovation. In an economy grappling with inflation and high operating costs, this relief could be a catalyst for accelerated sectoral growth and job creation.

The Development Levy: A Double-Edged Sword

On the flip side, the introduction of a 4% Development Levy on assessable profits poses new obligations for larger SMEs that exceed the exemption thresholds. While smaller enterprises are shielded, businesses at the cusp of growth may need to reassess their pricing strategies, cost structures, and long-term expansion plans to absorb the additional tax cost without eroding margins.

Incentives for Expansion: The New Economic Development Incentive (EDI)

The tax reforms also replace the traditional “pioneer status” tax holiday with the more targeted Economic Development Incentive (EDI). This allows qualifying businesses to claim a 5% annual tax credit on capital expenditures over five years, with an additional five-year carryforward window for unused credits.

For forward-thinking SMEs eyeing expansion, diversification, or technological upgrades, the EDI offers a compelling opportunity to offset tax liabilities while driving strategic investments in productivity-enhancing assets.

VAT Overhaul: Relief and Compliance Challenges

A major shift in Value Added Tax (VAT) administration is set to reshape cash flows and compliance practices. The expansion of zero-rated goods — including essential food items, medical supplies, educational materials, and electricity services — reduces the final cost to consumers and improves cash recovery for businesses operating in these sectors.

Additionally, the introduction of e-invoicing and mandatory fiscalisation signals Nigeria’s bold step toward digital tax administration, aligning with global best practices. While these measures promise greater transparency and efficiency, they require substantial upfront investment in accounting systems, staff training, and compliance protocols — a hurdle that many SMEs will need strategic support to overcome.

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Personal Income Tax Reform: Implications for Entrepreneurs

For SME owners and self-employed entrepreneurs, the redesigned Personal Income Tax (PIT) regime offers both relief and complexity. Individuals earning NGN800,000 or less annually are now exempt from tax, while higher earners face progressive rates up to 25%.

Moreover, the increase in the tax exemption threshold for compensation for loss of employment or injury to NGN50 million offers added security to business owners and senior executives during periods of restructuring or operational setbacks.

Strategic Imperatives for SMEs

The new tax environment demands more than passive awareness — it requires decisive, forward-looking action. Business owners and executives should consider the following priorities:

• Conduct detailed tax impact assessments to understand how the new laws affect cash flow, capital expenditure plans, and overall profitability.
• Review and upgrade accounting and ERP systems to accommodate fiscalisation requirements and e-invoicing obligations.
• Leverage new incentives such as the EDI to accelerate strategic investments and enhance operational capacity.
• Re-evaluate corporate structures to optimize tax efficiency and mitigate potential liabilities from new levies or higher CGT rates.
• Upskill finance and compliance teams to navigate new filing requirements and engage proactively with tax authorities.

A New Era for Nigerian SMEs

The 2025 Tax Reform Acts represent a bold attempt to modernize Nigeria’s fiscal framework and create a more equitable business environment. While they open new avenues for growth, they also impose stricter compliance and demand strategic recalibration.

For SMEs and MSMEs — the heartbeat of the Nigerian economy — this is not merely a policy change; it is a call to action. The businesses that succeed will be

those that embrace these reforms as an opportunity to innovate, streamline operations, and build resilience in an increasingly competitive market.