By Atoyebi Nike
The Federal Government has confirmed that Nigerians earning income through remote jobs, social media influencing, or import-related businesses will be subject to tax beginning January 1, 2026, under new reforms designed to simplify compliance and boost revenue.
Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, explained the changes during a tax education programme at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, City of David, Lagos.
Oyedele clarified that remote employees working for foreign firms are legally required to declare their earnings in Nigeria. “If you work remotely for a company abroad, that income counts as salary and must be declared for taxation. Since your employer is not in Nigeria, the obligation falls on you to pay,” he said, warning that those who fail to comply will face penalties and interest charges.
He stressed that the same rule applies to online influencers and content creators, whose digital income is considered taxable. Importers will also be affected, with tax reliefs varying depending on whether their operations involve trading, manufacturing, or other business lines.
Addressing concerns about overlapping taxes, Oyedele noted that the new framework assigns clear jurisdiction to federal, state, and local governments, reducing duplication. He added that small businesses would enjoy exemptions while larger firms would require professional accounting advice.
“All income is taxable under Nigerian law,” Oyedele reminded participants, clarifying that payments for services or products are subject to tax, while gifts or upkeep money are exempt. He described the reforms as “the most transformative in the nation’s history,” aimed at cutting down multiple taxation disputes and improving government revenue.
