Business
FG Exempts Farmers, Manufacturers, SMEs From Paying Withholding Tax
Recently, the Federal Government of Nigeria has implemented significant changes to the withholding tax regime, exempting certain categories of entities to foster a more favorable business environment. This development was confirmed by Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, in a post on social media.
According to Oyedele, the reforms aim to address various challenges and introduce exemptions and reduced rates under the new withholding tax regime. Key highlights include:
- Exemption for Small Businesses: Small businesses are now exempted from withholding tax compliance, which simplifies their tax obligations and reduces administrative burdens.
- Reduced Rates for Low-margin Businesses: Businesses with low profit margins will benefit from reduced withholding tax rates, acknowledging their financial constraints.
- Exemptions for Manufacturers and Farmers: Manufacturers and producers, such as farmers, are also exempted from withholding tax. This exemption aims to support these sectors crucial to economic growth.
- Measures Against Evasion: The reforms include measures to curb tax evasion and minimize tax avoidance, ensuring more effective revenue collection for the government.
- Ease of Credit and Utilization: The reforms facilitate easier access to credit and the utilization of tax deducted at source, enhancing liquidity for businesses.
Oyedele highlighted that these changes reflect emerging issues and adopt global best practices in tax administration. The new regulations are expected to be officially published in the gazette soon, providing clarity on the timing of deductions and defining key terms related to withholding tax.
Withholding tax, introduced in Nigeria in 1977, serves as an advance payment of income tax on specified transactions. Its primary objectives are to provide regular revenue to the government and combat tax evasion by ensuring taxes are deducted at the source of income.
Overall, these reforms mark a proactive step by the Nigerian government towards creating a more simplified and business-friendly tax environment, supporting economic activities across various sectors and promoting sustainable growth.
Business
NAICOM Revokes Nigeria Reinsurance’s Licence, Freezes Operations Over Capital Shortfall
Banire directed banks, financial institutions, policyholders and members of the public not to honour any instruction relating to the company except those issued by him or persons expressly authorised by him.
The National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) has revoked the operating licence of Nigeria Reinsurance Corporation for failing to meet the statutory Minimum Capital Requirement (MCR) and appointed Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Dr. Muiz Banire, SAN, as Receiver/Provisional Liquidator to wind up the company’s affairs.
The appointment took effect on August 3, 2026, following the cancellation of the company’s certificate of registration by the insurance regulator.
In a public notice dated August 4, 2026, Banire said NAICOM appointed him, in exercise of its statutory powers, to oversee the receivership and liquidation of Nigeria Reinsurance Corporation (RR-002).
In the notice, the company’s licence was revoked after it failed to comply with the prescribed Minimum Capital Requirement applicable to its category of licence within the stipulated compliance period, in accordance with the Nigerian Insurance Industry Reform Act (NIIRA) 2025 and other extant laws, regulations and guidelines.
Banire said his appointment authorises him to immediately trace, recover, secure and take possession of the company’s assets, collate and settle its liabilities in line with the NIIRA 2025, liaise with NAICOM on matters relating to the liquidation, and submit periodic reports to the Commission.
Banire directed banks, financial institutions, policyholders and members of the public not to honour any instruction relating to the company except those issued by him or persons expressly authorised by him.
Source: ThisDay
Business
NDIC begins paying depositors of 46 closed microfinance banks
NDIC Managing Director and Chief Executive Oludare Sunday confirmed the development at a retreat for members of the House of Representatives Committee on Insurance and Actuarial Matters in Lagos on Wednesday.
The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has started reimbursing depositors affected by the closure of 46 microfinance banks nationwide.
NDIC Managing Director and Chief Executive Oludare Sunday confirmed the development at a retreat for members of the House of Representatives Committee on Insurance and Actuarial Matters in Lagos on Wednesday.
” Payments are ongoing, and over 700,000 Heritage Bank customers have already received their insured funds through BVN-linked accounts.
“We have started paying depositors of those banks, and gradually we intend to cover all the insured depositors,” he said,” he said.
Following the revocation of the 46 MFB operating licences, the CBN subsequently appointed the NDIC as provisional liquidator of the failed financial institutions.
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