The Federal Government has announced a new tax policy that will require Nigerians in the diaspora, content creators, and social media influencers to pay taxes on their global income if they spend more than 183 days within the country in a year.According to the new regulation, any Nigerian who resides abroad but spends over half of the year in Nigeria will be considered a tax resident and will be liable to pay personal income tax on earnings made both locally and internationally.
The policy also extends to online content creators and influencers, many of whom earn substantial revenue from foreign-based platforms and sponsors. Authorities say this move is part of efforts to widen the tax net, improve revenue generation, and ensure fairness in the system.Tax experts note that the new law aligns Nigeria’s tax framework with international standards, where residency and duration of stay often determine tax obligations.
However, critics warn that enforcement may pose significant challenges, particularly with tracking offshore earnings and digital income.Government officials maintain that the law is not aimed at discouraging diaspora engagement but at ensuring that all Nigerians benefiting from the country’s infrastructure and services contribute their fair share.The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) is expected to release further guidelines on compliance, filing procedures, and penalties for default in the coming weeks.