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Data Governance & Privacy | Cloud Contracts | Regulatory Compliance | Chess

[NDPC Nigeria @ndpcngr]

A stronger data protection ecosystem is not built by one organisation, regulation or conversation.
It takes people who understand the issues, responsible organisations, and a public that knows why their data matters.

The Initiatives for Data Protection is a coordinated effort to strengthen this ecosystem through capacity building, public awareness, research, innovation and collaboration.
Watch out for the impact this programme is set to make!
#championingprivacyrights #dataprotection

[Orchid Lekki Chess Club @OLChessClub]

Hey chess family! 😎 OLCC Rapid Chess Tournament is happening this Saturday!

If you wanna join the fun, test your skills, and maybe even take home some bragging rights and cash prizes... Come join us 🕹️More players = more vibes! #OLCCChess #RapidChess

[Orchid Lekki Chess Club @OLChessClub]

CHECK ALERT! 🔥 OLCC Rapid Chess Tournament is coming up on Feb 28! 🏆 Whether you're a pro or just playing for fun, come show off your skills!

PLUS: OLCC Members who are up-to-date on their membership dues get 20% off registration!

💰 Register now and let's play! #OLCCChess

[NDPC Nigeria @ndpcngr]

The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) commemorated Global Privacy Day with a press conference that marked the commencement of the 2026 edition of the National Privacy Week, themed “Privacy in the Age of Emerging Technologies: Trust, Ethics, and Innovation.”

[FM BOMO KIGIGHA @BKigigha]

We are back

[Taiwo Oyedele @taiwoyedele]

𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐊𝐏𝐌𝐆: 𝐎𝐛𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚’𝐬 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐓𝐚𝐱 𝐋𝐚𝐰𝐬

---𝘉𝘺 𝘗𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘢𝘭 𝘍𝘪𝘴𝘤𝘢𝘭 𝘗𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘛𝘢𝘹 𝘙𝘦𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘴 𝘊𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘦

We welcome all perspectives that contribute to a shared understanding and successful implementation of the new tax laws. We acknowledge that a few points raised by KPMG are useful, particularly where they relate to implementation risks and clerical or cross-referencing issues. However, the majority of the publication reflected a misunderstanding of the policy intent, a mischaracterisation of deliberate policy choices, and, in several instances, repetitions and presentation of opinion and preferences as facts.

𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐨𝐛𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬

A significant proportion of the issues described as “errors,” “gaps,” or “omissions” by KPMG are either:

- the firm’s own errors and invalid conclusions,
- issues not properly understood by the firm,
- missed context on broader reforms objectives,
- areas where KPMG prefer different outcomes than the choices deliberately made in the new tax laws, and
- obvious clerical and editorial matters already identified internally.

While it is legitimate to disagree with policy direction, disagreements should not be framed as errors or gaps. KPMG would have been more effective if the firm adopted a similar approach like other professional firms who engaged directly providing the opportunity for clarifications and mutual-learning.

It is equally important to distinguish between policy choices designed to achieve the reform objectives and proposals that merely represent a firm's preference.

𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐲 𝐂𝐡𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐬

1. Taxation of Shares and the Stock Market

Contrary to the presumption that the new tax provisions on chargeable gains would trigger a sell-off on the stock market, the fact is that the applicable tax rate on share gains is not a flat 30%. The tax framework is structured from 0% to a maximum of 30%, which is set to reduce to 25%. Furthermore, a significant majority of investors (99%) are entitled to unconditional exemption, with others qualifying subject to reinvestment.

The market's performance, which is at an all-time high with increased investment flow, demonstrates investors understanding that the tax changes will enhance the fundamentals of firms both in terms of profitability and cash flows. The sell-off narrative is unsubstantiated as any disposals in December 2025 would have benefited from the re-investment exemption or enhanced deductions under the new law.

2. Commencement Date and Transition

The suggestion to set the commencement date as the start of an accounting period (e.g., 1 January 2026) takes a narrow view of the complex transition issues. A wholesale reform affects myriad issues beyond the accounting period, spanning multiple periods, different bases of assessment (preceding year, actual year), as well as issues related to audit, deductions, credits, and penalties. Limiting the commencement to a single date for accounting periods would fail to address the intricacies of continuous transactions and other transition matters. KPMG’s proposal is therefore not a “gold standard” to be applied to all new laws as suggested.

3. Indirect Transfer of Shares

The new provision to tax indirect transfer of shares is a policy choice aligned with global best practices and BEPS initiatives. Its objective is to block a long-exploited tax loophole by multinationals and other investors, not to affect competitiveness. This is a common provision in international tax, and the assertion that it may affect the country's economic stability is disingenuous.

4. VAT Exemption on Insurance Premium

KPMG's point regarding a specific VAT exemption on insurance premium is technically unnecessary, as an insurance premium is not a "taxable supply" defined under the Nigeria Tax Act. Insurance relates to risk transfer, not the supply of goods or services subject to VAT. As this has always been the administrative and legal position, a specific amendment for exemption is academic. If it is not broken, don’t fix it.

𝐈𝐬𝐬𝐮𝐞𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐁𝐲 𝐊𝐏𝐌𝐆

5. Inclusion of 'Community' in Definition

The concern about the inclusion of “community” in the definition of a ‘person’ but its omission from the charging section does not constitute a gap or ambiguity. In statutory interpretation, definitions provided in the law apply wherever the defined term appears, unless the context requires otherwise. Hence, ‘person’ and ‘taxable person’ are used in the charging section, and both definitions include ‘community.’ This approach is consistent with modern legislative drafting principles, which use comprehensive definitions to streamline operative provisions and avoid redundancy. This is similar to the inclusion of partnerships and executors in the definition but not under the charging section. The use of the word “includes” further signifies that the list of taxable persons is not exhaustive.

6. Joint Revenue Board (JRB) Composition

The composition and mandate of the Joint Revenue Board (JRB) are intentional. Its policy advisory role is specifically to provide a subnational tax and revenue perspective that complements the fiscal policy mandate of the Ministry of Finance. Its membership is appropriately limited to revenue-focused agencies, which is why it is called the Joint Revenue Board. This is a similar composition under which the former JTB operated effectively, and its functions remain consistent with the need for inter-agency coordination.

7. Distinction in Dividend Treatment

KPMG's analysis appears to mix the distinction between a foreign-controlled company and a foreign operation of a Nigerian company. Dividends distributed by a foreign company cannot be "franked" since no Nigerian Withholding Tax (WHT) would have been deducted. Section 162(1)(s) confers exemption on dividend, interest, rent, or royalty derived from outside Nigeria and brought into Nigeria through approved channels. The choice to treat dividends distributed by Nigerian companies differently from foreign companies is a deliberate policy choice, as they are fundamentally different for tax purposes.

8. Non-Resident Registration and Final Tax

The view that a payment subject to deduction as final tax should automatically exempt the non-resident recipient from tax registration misses a critical distinction. While the law conditionally exempts passive income from registration, the deduction of tax on non-passive income is not synonymous with an exemption from registration or filing of returns. The same way that residents are required to file returns on income such as interest (in the case of individuals) and dividend where WHT is final. Returns serve a broader purpose beyond solely generating tax revenue.

𝐊𝐏𝐌𝐆’𝐬 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐖𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦 𝐎𝐛𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬

9. Tax on Foreign Insurance Premiums

The proposal to exempt foreign insurance companies from tax on premiums from insurance written in Nigeria to deepen penetration, while local insurance companies continue to pay tax, would be detrimental to the domestic insurance sector. This would create an unfair and harmful competitive disadvantage for local firms in their own market. The current policy is designed to protect and promote local industry and ensure a level playing field.

10. Parallel Market Forex Deduction

The new law disallows tax deduction for the difference where a business buys foreign exchange in the parallel market at a premium over the official rate. This is a critical fiscal policy choice designed to complement monetary policy, strengthen, and stabilise the Naira. By removing the tax subsidy for patronage of the parallel market, the policy aims to reduce incentives for round-tripping and redirect legitimate FX demands to the official market. This is policy congruence, not an error.

11. VAT Compliance-Linked Deductibility

The non-tax deduction for taxable transactions on which VAT has not been charged is a necessary anti-avoidance measure. It removes the advantage that some taxpayers previously enjoyed by patronising suppliers who evade VAT. This is a matter of fairness and is squarely within the control of a business to manage, especially given the provision for the self-charge of VAT. It also ensures that responsible businesses play their part in promoting voluntary tax compliance across the ecosystem.

12. Progressive Personal Income Tax

While KPMG acknowledges the reform objective of fairness and progressivity, the firm disagrees with a top marginal tax rate of 25% for the highest earners. In reality, the effective tax rate can be as low as 22% for an individual earning billions a year simply by contributing 10% to pension. This rate is competitive when compared to many other countries, including Angola 25%, Egypt 27.5%, Ghana 35%, Kenya 35%, the U.S. (Federal) 37%, South Africa 45%, and the U.K. 45%. So, the rate is not “oppressive” or one that will negatively affect economic growth as claimed, rather it ensures progressivity without compromising competitiveness. From a broader policy objective perspective, the increase in top marginal rate for high income earners and the reduction in corporate tax rate is designed to address the existing higher tax burden associated with business formalisation.

𝐅𝐚𝐥𝐬𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐄𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐫 𝐛𝐲 𝐊𝐏𝐌𝐆

13. Police Trust Fund

The Police Trust Fund was signed into law on May 24, 2019, with a six-year lifespan under section 2(2) of the Act, which ended in June 2025. Therefore, KPMG's point that the new tax law should be amended to repeal the taxing section of the Police Trust Fund Act is needless, as the provision no longer exists.

14. Small Company Verification

The analysis concerning the tax exemptions for small companies affecting large companies' obligations is not a new issue or an inconsistency in the new law. The small business threshold was introduced via the Finance Act 2021. This issue pre-dates the current tax laws and should not be presented as an error or omission simply by virtue of a higher tax exemption threshold under the new law.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐊𝐏𝐌𝐆 𝐋𝐞𝐟𝐭 𝐎𝐮𝐭

While acknowledging the objectives of the reform, KPMG could have highlighted the major structural improvements under the new laws, including:
- simplification and tax harmonisation,
- the scope for reduction in corporate tax rate from 30% to 25%,
- expanded input VAT credits for businesses,
- tax exemption for low-income earners and small businesses,
- elimination of minimum tax on turnover and capital, and
- improved investment incentives for priority sectors.

A balanced assessment would have recognised these transformative elements, among others.

𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐚𝐲 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝

The tax reform is the result of an extensive consultation with various stakeholder groups in addition to the legislative process that included widely publicised public hearings, avenues intended for all stakeholders including international firms to provide technical expertise at the formative stage.

In any comprehensive overhaul of a nation’s tax framework, clerical inconsistencies or cross-referencing gaps may occur, and these are already being identified within the government. The tax reform represents a bold step toward a self-sustaining and competitive Nigeria.

An effective review needs to connect identified gaps to clear policy intents and the reality of modern-day tax systems within the context of economic development and global competitiveness.

At this stage, the effectiveness of the tax law depends on administrative guidance, clarifications from the tax authority, and regulations to complement precise statutory provisions where necessary pending future amendments.

We urge all stakeholders to pivot from a static critique to a dynamic engagement model, which allows for clarifications and a productive partnership in the implementation of the new tax laws.

[NDPC Nigeria @ndpcngr]

⏳20 Days to Go!
National Privacy Week 2026 is almost here

Theme: Privacy in the Age of Emerging Technologies: Trust, Ethics & Innovation

📆28 January – 4 February 2026

[BOLANLE AUSTEN-PETERS @bolanleap]

Sometimes you can't help but show off how rich our culture is... Lagosians have this on lockdown!

[Orchid Lekki Chess Club @OLChessClub]

THE NIGERIA NATIONAL CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP 2025: CALLING SCHOOLS & PARENTS FOR U14 CATEGORY!

The future of Nigeria is bright & it's evident with players registering for the Under-14 of the 2025 #National #Chess #Championship!
Registration Closes in 10 Days!
Don’t Miss It!
#NCC2025

[Orchid Lekki Chess Club @OLChessClub]

Champions of the Board: The 2025 National Chess Championship Battle Ensues - A Chess Poem!

Across sixty-four squares where legends rise
Where minds clash boldly beneath bright skies
Nigeria gathers her finest once more
Warriors of thought, returning to the board.

#NCC2025

[Orchid Lekki Chess Club @OLChessClub]

Official Sponsor Acknowledgement: @lasenaWater!

We are proud to welcome Lasena Artesian Alkaline Mineral Water Ltd. as an Official Sponsor of the 2025 National Chess Championships, supporting the event for the second consecutive year.
#NCC2025
#CHESSFEST2025
#LASENAandCHESS

[Orchid Lekki Chess Club @OLChessClub]

Official Sponsor Spotlight: @IndomieNigeria!

For the third consecutive year, Indomie Nigeria stands tall with us as an official sponsor of the Nigeria National Chess Championships!
Thank you Indomie, for 3 years of delicious partnership & building the future of chess in Nigeria!

[Orchid Lekki Chess Club @OLChessClub]

Gold Sponsor Profile:
#Renaissance #Africa #Energy

@Renaissance_Afr is a leading integrated energy company, committed to sustainable growth, operational excellence, & long-term value creation in Nigeria’s energy sector.

We welcome Renaissance Africa Energy as a Gold Sponsor.

[Orchid Lekki Chess Club @OLChessClub]

We are thrilled to announce #Orchid #Hotels as Platinum Sponsor of our @FIDE_chess rated #Nigeria National #Chess #Championships, 2025!

More about Orchid Hotels on our Instagram page:
https://t.co/oMlMoFoenh

#NCC2025
#CHESSNG2025
#CHESSFEST2025

[Orchid Lekki Chess Club @OLChessClub]

Get your young champions ready! 🎉 Our OLCC Junior Tournament is coming! 🤩 Register your kids now and let them showcase their skills! 📝Don't miss out! #OLCCJuniorTournament #KidsChess #RegisterNow

[BudgIT Nigeria @BudgITng]

📢 The Federal Government’s settlement of over N2 trillion in outstanding capital budget arrears from the 2024 fiscal year is commendable. The news also has it that States’ fiscal surplus has increased from N2.8 trillion in 2023 to N7.1 trillion, providing subnationals with more fiscal space to invest in critical areas such as infrastructure, healthcare, and education.

As the focus shifts to 2025 capital releases, this momentum must be sustained. Citizens should also take ownership by checking https://t.co/FfdcoujOwa and https://t.co/3YLuqJOFhS to monitor disbursements and track how these funds are being used in their states and communities.

We want to see public funds work for the people. Increasing revenue should translate to increasing development across all states, LGAs, and communities.

#AskQuestions

[Orchid Lekki Chess Club @OLChessClub]

"Clueless about chess and don't know where to start?"🤔 Join us for our FREE Chess 101 class at Orchid Lekki Chess Club! 📚♟️ Learn the basics and start your chess journey today! 📅 Don't miss out! #OrchidLekkiChessClub #ChessForAll #LearnChess"

[NDPC Nigeria @ndpcngr]

Global Privacy Day 2025!
THEME: Fostering Trust & Inclusion Through Data Privacy
- Launch of Annual Report
- Launch of International Journal
- Panel Discussion
Date: Tuesday, 28th Jan 2025
Venue: Walsh Blanc, Tropic Galleria by the Palms Hotel, Abuja
Time: 11:00am

[NDPC Nigeria @ndpcngr]

The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) unveils the National Certification Program for Data Protection Officers (DPOs) in Nigeria.
This milestone achievement was unveiled by the Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani.