The Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee has released detailed clarifications addressing concerns by Nigerians in the diaspora about the new tax reforms taking effect in 2026.

 

This was disclosed in a material obtained by PUNCH Online on Thursday from the Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, Taiwo Oyedele.

 

According to the document, “genuine personal transfers such as family remittances, gifts, refunds (e.g., flight tickets), or community savings contributions are not treated as taxable income.”

 

It explained that “only income earned or deemed to be income (e.g., wages, business profits, investment returns) is subject to tax,” adding that “every individual is required to self-report their income and pay tax where applicable.”

On double taxation, the committee clarified that “income earned abroad and brought into Nigeria by a non-resident individual is now specifically exempted from tax in Nigeria regardless of whether tax was paid abroad or not.”

 

It added that “Nigeria has Double Taxation Agreements (DTAs) with several countries, and the new tax laws provide for a unilateral relief where a DTA does not exist to ensure that the same income is not taxed twice.”

 

Explaining how residency is determined, the statement said, “Residency is based on the 183-day rule (cumulative days of physical presence in Nigeria within a 12-month period). Non-residents are taxed only on income derived from Nigeria (e.g., rental income, dividends, business profits).”

 

The committee clarified that “diaspora Nigerians living abroad who are not tax resident in Nigeria are not taxed on their foreign employment or business income,” and that “dual citizenship has no impact on the tax status of an individual whether resident or non-resident in Nigeria.”

 

On investments, it noted that “income from investments in Nigeria are either exempt, subject to capital gains tax (CGT) or withholding tax as a final tax,” adding that “government bonds, including Sukuk are tax exempt.”

 

It further stated, “CGT applies to the sale of real estate other than sale of owner-occupied buildings. Shares are exempt up to proceeds not exceeding ₦150 million and ₦10 million gains in a year.

 

“Dividends, non-government bond interest and rental income are subject to withholding tax at 10% as final tax which may be reduced to 7.5% for recipients in certain countries such as the UK, South Africa and China.”

Addressing questions on pensions and remote work, the material noted that “only income that arises in Nigeria is taxable for non-residents. Pensions and stipends from abroad are not taxed in Nigeria unless received for work done in Nigeria.”

 

It added, “Remote workers are taxed based on the rules in the country where they are resident or earn such income, not merely where payment is made.”

 

On tax identification requirements, the committee explained that “a TIN is not required and there is no requirement to file tax returns unless you earn employment or business income from Nigeria.”

It continued, “Non-residents without Nigerian-source income are not obliged to file annual returns. Those with taxable employment or business income in Nigeria are required to file returns. Simplified channels (e.g., TaxProMax, online TIN applications) are available to ease compliance.”

 

“For individuals, a TIN can be obtained from the Joint Tax Board via https://tin.jtb.gov.ng. For companies, TIN is now automatically assigned at the point of registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission,” the committee said.

 

Regarding NGOs and diaspora-owned businesses, it stated that “NGOs are tax-exempt if they are registered and operate strictly for charitable purposes, and comply with reporting and filing requirements.”

 

“Diaspora-owned SMEs in Nigeria are treated like local businesses, taxed on profits but eligible for incentives and reliefs available to small enterprises,” the material added.

 

The document also noted that the reforms mandate transparency measures, including public reporting, governance structure and independent oversight for tax revenues.

 

“Other fiscal measures are being strengthened to link tax revenues to visible infrastructure and service delivery with safeguards against corruption and framework to prevent and punish misuse of taxpayer data,” it said.

 

On incentives, the committee explained that “incentives under the new laws apply generally to certain investments including diaspora-led investments in key sectors (e.g., priority sector incentives in agriculture, creative sector, manufacturing, etc.), SME corporate tax exemption threshold, exemption of VAT on real estate, etc.”

 

According to the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, reforms make the tax system in Nigeria fairer and more friendly to Nigerians in the diaspora, address incidence of double taxation, align Nigeria with global best practice, simplify and provide clarity where tax is payable or filing obligation is applicable.

 

 

 

Fresh pressure is mounting on former President Goodluck Jonathan to shelve his rumoured plan to contest the presidency in the 2027 general elections, as prominent figures in the Niger Delta intensify efforts to persuade him to instead support the re-election of President Bola Tinubu.

 

Findings by The PUNCH revealed that ex-militant leader, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, is leading the regional movement urging Jonathan to drop his alleged presidential ambition and rally behind President Tinubu’s second-term bid.

 

It was gathered that Tompolo, accompanied by top associates including the Managing Director of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, High Chief Kestin Pondi, and the deputy governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress in the 2023 Bayelsa State election, Joshua Maciver, among others, paid a private visit to Jonathan at his Otuoke home in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State on October 16.

 

The meeting, which reportedly lasted several hours, was Tompolo’s first public appearance in nearly 10 years—an indication of the gravity of his mission.

Contrary to initial media reports suggesting that discussions centred on peace and security in the Niger Delta, multiple impeccable sources disclosed that the visit was primarily political.

 

According to sources close to both men, Tompolo’s visit was aimed at discouraging Jonathan from seeking the presidency and urging him to support President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.

 

A top Jonathan associate, who was privy to the meeting but declined to be named for lack of authorisation to speak, confirmed that the meeting indeed took place.

 

“It is true, the meeting held,” the source said. “Niger Delta stakeholders feel Tinubu has done a lot for the region—look at the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the university he approved for Ogoni land, and several other projects. So everyone feels we should back President Tinubu’s second-term bid. That was what Tompolo came to discuss with the former President. He urged him not to run but to support President Tinubu.”

 

Pressed on whether Jonathan was nursing a presidential ambition, the associate added, “Yes, he was considering it.”

 

A source within Tompolo’s camp corroborated this, describing the visit as historic.

 

“It was the first time in a decade that Tompolo would visit anyone. That alone shows the importance of the meeting,” the source said.

 

Tompolo, who has been a staunch supporter of President Tinubu, currently enjoys the renewal of the multibillion-naira pipeline surveillance contract first awarded to him during the administration of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari.

 

Tompolo also leads a grassroots political structure known as the ‘PBAT Door-to-Door Movement’, mobilising support for Tinubu’s re-election across the Niger Delta.

 

Further details from sources familiar with the meeting suggest that Tompolo told Jonathan that the psyche of Niger Deltans was not in favour of his rumoured ambition to return to power.

“Tompolo was very frank with him,” one source said. “He told the former President that his people were no longer disposed to supporting him for another presidential contest and that most Niger Deltans prefer Tinubu to continue till 2031.”

The source added that Tompolo advised Jonathan to “borrow a leaf” from his wife, Patience Jonathan, and Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, who have both aligned themselves with the movement for Tinubu’s re-election.

 

“Tompolo pointed out that Mrs Jonathan had already publicly endorsed President Tinubu for re-election and that Governor Diri’s resignation from the PDP and his planned defection to the APC were indicators that the region was moving in that direction,” the source continued.

 

Another participant at the meeting said Tompolo urged Jonathan not to be swayed by politicians urging him to challenge Tinubu, warning that he would not get the needed “home support.”

 

“He told him point-blank that no one can defeat President Tinubu in a free and fair contest considering his performance so far,” the source said. “Tompolo stressed that most Nigerians, especially in the South, want continuity to allow Tinubu to complete his programmes.”

 

The ex-militant leader reportedly told Jonathan that he didn’t need to defect to the APC to support Tinubu, but could remain a statesman and use his influence to deliver the region to the President in 2027.

 

According to one of the sources, Jonathan listened attentively and promised to consider Tompolo’s advice carefully.

 

“President Jonathan appreciated Tompolo for his visit and acknowledged the wisdom in his submissions,” the source said. “He promised to review the counsel and make his decision known in due course.”

 

While Tompolo declined to speak to journalists after the closed-door meeting, Jonathan told reporters that the visit focused on maintaining peace and stability in the Niger Delta.

 

“Since I left office, we have not seen each other,” Jonathan said. “Tompolo is one young man who has played key roles in the unity of our people. We discussed issues people have been complaining about to ensure the Niger Delta remains peaceful. He has contributed significantly to peace and the protection of oil installations.”

 

Despite Jonathan’s diplomatic tone, multiple insiders insist that the political dimension dominated the discussions, especially as Niger Delta elites increasingly tilt towards Tinubu’s re-election.

 

Meanwhile, former Labour Party governorship candidate in Bayelsa State, Udengs Eradiri, dismissed claims that Jonathan was planning a return to power, describing such reports as speculative.

 

“I am not aware that Jonathan is running,” Eradiri said. “Until he himself comes out to declare, it’s just rumour. And as for Tompolo’s visit, it’s normal that he would pay respect to Jonathan as a leader in the Niger Delta.”

 

He explained that Jonathan remains a revered figure among Niger Delta stakeholders due to his pivotal role in the Amnesty Programme, which he helped midwife while serving as vice president under the late President Umaru Yar’Adua.

“Any day, any time, Goodluck Jonathan is a leader respected by people like Tompolo,” he said. “So, it is natural that when Tompolo visits Bayelsa, he would first go to see Jonathan. Whether there was political persuasion or not, I cannot say. But I don’t think Jonathan has declared any ambition to be pressured in the first place.”