The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has declared that it will no longer issue tax exemption certificates to all categories of taxpayers, including pioneer status companies, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), and entities operating in free trade zones.

The FIRS directive, contained in a public notice issued on Tuesday, said the decision is part of ongoing efforts to ensure transparency and adherence to existing tax laws.

“The issuance of Tax Exemption Certificates has been discontinued,” the statement read.
“Consequently, no further Tax Exemption Certificates will be issued.”

The tax agency, however, noted that exemption certificates already issued remain valid until their expiry date, adding that no renewals will be granted once they lapse.

The agency warned that going forward, all claims for tax benefits or exemptions must strictly comply with applicable laws and follow procedures approved by FIRS.

“Any attempt to forge, alter, or misrepresent exemption status will attract strict penalties prescribed by law,” the tax authority said.

“All further enquiries on the above subject should be addressed to the Executive Chairman,” the notice added.

FIRS Executive Chairman, Zacch Adedeji, had on July 22 lamented that Nigeria loses billions annually due to aggressive tax avoidance by multinationals, which he said undermines governance, erodes trust, and affects infrastructure, public services, and inequality.