Government Urges All Nigerians to Submit Tax Returns Before March Deadline

Nigeria’s lead tax reform official has reiterated that every person who earns an income is legally obligated to submit their annual tax returns by March 31, urging stronger compliance ahead of the deadline.

Speaking at an online session with human resources and tax professionals, the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, highlighted that both employers and individuals must correctly file returns under existing tax laws. He noted that many Nigerians, especially individual taxpayers, have yet to comply with self‑assessment requirements — a trend he said undermines tax efforts nationwide.

Oyedele stressed that employees cannot assume their tax duties end with employer deductions; everyone must complete and submit their own filings. Authorities are reportedly working to streamline the process and support taxpayers in meeting the statutory deadline.

Failure to file on time could expose taxpayers to enforcement actions and penalties as government agencies ramp up efforts to broaden the tax base and boost revenue.