By: Manoah Kikekon
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| Wale Edun |
ABUJA — In a major move to streamline revenue collection and boost the ease of doing business, the Joint Revenue Board (JRB) has officially banned the use of roadblocks for tax collection across Nigeria. This landmark decision coincides with the unveiling of the Presumptive Tax Regulations by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun.
The ban aims to end the disruption of commercial activities and the harassment of transporters and entrepreneurs by unauthorized or aggressive tax collectors. According to the Executive Secretary of the JRB, Olusegun Adesokan, the new framework ensures a coordinated approach that allows businesses to operate without interference while fulfilling their fiscal obligations.
A key highlight of the new regulations is the protection of Nigeria’s smallest economic players. The framework explicitly exempts nano and small businesses with an annual turnover of ₦12 million and below from these taxes.
For other businesses operating in the informal sector that exceed this threshold, a simplified 1% tax on turnover has been introduced. This "Presumptive Tax" is designed to be fair, easy to calculate, and inclusive, providing a clear pathway for informal traders to transition into the formal economy.
During the launch, Minister Wale Edun emphasized that these reforms are critical to achieving the President’s ambitious goal of a $1 trillion economy by 2030. He noted that Nigeria’s GDP grew by over 4% in the final quarter of 2025, with the government now eyeing a 7% growth rate in the near term.
“These regulations ensure transparency, fairness, and economic inclusion,” Edun stated. “They formalize a pathway for small businesses to grow and eventually enter the formal economy, contributing to sustainable national growth.”
To prevent abuse of the new system, the Minister announced that tax administration will now be strictly monitored across federal, state, and local government levels. A dedicated Ombudsman will oversee the implementation to ensure that collectors adhere to the "no-roadblock" policy and that the rights of taxpayers are protected.