Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, has called on Nigerians to comply with the law by filing their annual tax returns before the March 31 deadline.
He said both employers and individual taxpayers have a legal obligation to file returns, regardless of income level.
Oyedele said this during a webinar organised for HR managers, payroll officers, chief financial officers, and tax managers. The session was held in collaboration with the Joint Revenue Board and later shared on YouTube on Friday.
Employers Must File Returns for Workers
During the webinar, Oyedele stressed that employers must file annual tax returns on behalf of their employees.
According to him, many organisations have already complied, but others are running out of time.
“In terms of filing returns, you need to file annual returns as employers for your employees,” he said.
However, he warned that the deadline is close.
“If you haven’t done that, you have just a couple of days left to file those returns, including projections of how much you will pay your staff,” Oyedele added.
Low Compliance Among Individual Taxpayers
Beyond employers, Oyedele said individual compliance remains a major concern.
He noted that most Nigerians fail to file self-assessment tax returns, even in states with relatively advanced tax systems.
“In many states, more than 90%—even the most sophisticated states—cannot boast of 5% filing returns,” he said.
As a result, he described self-assessment compliance in Nigeria as “very low” and deeply troubling.
Salary Deductions Do Not End Tax Obligations
Meanwhile, Oyedele cautioned employees against assuming that salary deductions settle their tax responsibilities.
He said the law clearly requires individuals to file returns even when employers deduct taxes at source.
“Many people assume that if they are an employee and the employer has deducted pay, they don’t have to do anything. That is wrong,” he said.
According to Oyedele, this requirement applies under both the old and new tax laws.
“Both under the old and new tax laws, you must still file your returns,” he added.
Filing Deadline and Ease of Compliance
Furthermore, Oyedele assured Nigerians that tax authorities are working to simplify the filing process.
He said the Joint Revenue Board and state internal revenue services are exploring ways to make compliance easier.
“All of us must file our returns, including those earning low income,” he said.
“You must file returns by 31st March of the year in respect of the previous fiscal year.”
New Disclosure Rules Under Tax Reform Law
In addition, Oyedele highlighted new disclosure requirements for businesses benefiting from tax incentives.
Under the reformed tax law, companies must now declare any incentives they enjoy when filing returns.
“If you operate a business and enjoy certain incentives, you have the obligation to disclose them,” he said.
Background: Controversy Over New Tax Act
The warning comes amid widespread debate over Nigeria’s tax reform law, which took effect on January 1.
Since its implementation, the law has sparked public backlash and policy disputes, particularly over enforcement measures and compliance powers granted to tax authorities.
Despite the controversies, Oyedele said compliance remains mandatory, insisting that filing tax returns is essential for transparency, accountability, and sustainable public finance.
