By Bassey Udo
The Federal Government says it desires to have in place a modern and practical
value added tax (VAT) framework that not only reflects the intent of the current Tax Reform Acts, but also responds to the realities of today’s economy.
The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, stated this on Friday in Abuja in his charge to the newly inaugurated Ministerial Committee to develop the 2026 VAT Modification Order.
Oyedele described the Committee as major step towards ensuring the smooth implementation of Nigeria’s new tax laws and providing greater certainty for businesses, investors and tax administrators.
He said the Tax Reform Acts, which came into effect on January 1, 2026, is the most extensive changes to Nigeria’s tax system in decades, noting that the reforms simplify tax administration, improve certainty, strengthen competitiveness, protect vulnerable Nigerians and create a stronger foundation for sustainable economic growth.
While the previous VAT Modification Order made under the repealed VAT Act had served its purpose, the Minister said the new legal framework requires a fresh Order to provide clarity, update relevant schedules and support the effective implementation of the Nigeria Tax Act.
“This is not about reproducing an old document,” Mr. Oyedele said. “It is about developing a VAT Modification Order that is clear, practical and responsive to the needs of a changing economy.”
He said the new Order should remove uncertainty, make compliance easier for taxpayers, support investment decisions and provide tax administrators with clearer guidance in implementing the law.
The Minister directed the Committee to undertake a thorough review of the legal framework, administrative practices and policy directives governing VAT administration, particularly the VAT exempt and zero rated provisions contained in Part IV of the Nigeria Tax Act, 2025, while identifying areas that require further clarification.
He also charged members to engage extensively with stakeholders across government, the organised private sector, professional bodies and other interest groups to validate classifications, address implementation concerns and ensure that the final recommendations are practical and balanced.
Also, he instructed the Committee to recommend a comprehensive schedule of VAT exempt and zero rated supplies, taking into account revenue implications, social impact, Nigeria’s treaty obligations and regional integration commitments.
In addition, he said the Committee is expected to prepare a clear and implementable VAT Modification Order that aligns with the provisions of the Nigeria Tax Act and, where necessary, recommend amendments to the Tax Reform Acts and other enabling laws to strengthen implementation.
Urging members to ensure that every recommendation remains faithful to both the letter and the spirit of the new tax laws, the Minister maintained that the Order should encourage industrial growth, support investment, promote exports, strengthen food security, encourage innovation and facilitate Nigeria’s energy transition without compromising the integrity of the VAT system.
He also stressed the need to reduce ambiguity in VAT administration so that taxpayers, investors, regulators and tax administrators can operate with greater confidence and certainty.
Oyedele further encouraged the Committee to draw from international experience, while ensuring that the final document reflects Nigeria’s unique economic realities and development priorities.
The Committee has six weeks to complete its assignment and submit a Draft VAT Modification Order, schedules of VAT exempt and zero rated supplies with their corresponding Harmonised System Codes, implementation notes, a stakeholder consultation report and recommendations on any legislative amendments considered necessary.
Membership of the Committee comprises representatives of the Federal Ministry of Finance, the Nigeria Revenue Service, the Nigeria Customs Service, the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, the Joint Revenue Board, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, the Tax Advisory Committee and the Tax Justice and Governance Platform.
Expressing confidence in the calibre of the Committee, the Minister said the blend of expertise drawn from government and the private sector provides a strong foundation for producing a technically sound and practical instrument that will support the effective administration of VAT under the new tax regime.
“Nigerians cannot wait,” the Minister said. “Businesses need certainty. Investors need confidence. Government needs a VAT system that is easy to administer and supports growth. I urge you to approach this assignment with diligence, objectivity and a sense of urgency.”
He noted that the Committee’s work would shape the administration of one of Nigeria’s most important taxes, improve the ease of doing business, strengthen investor confidence and support the successful implementation of the Federal Government’s fiscal reform agenda.
