The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has officially discontinued the issuance of tax exemption certificates to all categories of taxpayers including companies with pioneer status, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and businesses operating in free trade zones.
In a public notice, the agency said the decision aligns with its drive for transparency and compliance with Nigeria’s tax laws.
“The issuance of Tax Exemption Certificates has been discontinued. Consequently, no further Tax Exemption Certificates will be issued,” the notice stated.
FIRS clarified that previously issued certificates remain valid until expiration but will not be renewed.
Going forward, any request for tax exemptions or benefits must strictly comply with relevant laws and FIRS-approved procedures. The agency warned that any forgery, alteration, or misrepresentation of exemption status will attract legal penalties.
The revenue agency reaffirmed its commitment to building a transparent, equitable tax system and urged all stakeholders to adhere to the updated guidelines.
Enquiries are to be directed to the office of the Executive Chairman.
This development comes after FIRS Chairman Zacch Adedeji recently highlighted Nigeria’s massive revenue losses from multinational tax avoidance — a practice he says undermines infrastructure development and deepens inequality.
![Rev. Fr. Anthony Odiong, a US-based Nigerian Louisiana Catholic priest, was arrested in Florida on Tuesday for possessing child pornography, according to law authorities. The suspect is reportedly accused of many other cases of sexual assault. The Waco, Texas, Police Department announced in a Facebook post on Tuesday that officers detained Father Anthony Odiong in Ave Maria, Florida, with assistance from the United States Marshals Service. Waco police announced in March that they had received "credible information" about a sexual assault allegedly committed by Odiong in Texas in 2012. “During the subsequent investigation, a case of possession of child pornography was uncovered,” the police said. The priest was apprehended in Florida by the Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force. The Waco Police Department said that he will be extradited to Texas. Odiong had previously served in the Archdiocese of New Orleans before being removed as priest in December of last year due to controversy over homilies in which he claimed, among other things, that the Catholic Church was being taken over by "the gays." At the time, the priest was also accused of abusive behaviour; a Louisiana lady claimed in U.S. bankruptcy court that Odiong had committed both financial and sexual abuse against her. Prior to joining the New Orleans Archdiocese, Odiong served in at least two Texas parishes. On Tuesday, Waco police stated that during their sexual assault investigation, "the presence of other survivors was revealed." “Multiple women have come forward to tell similar experiences as the sexual assault survivor who reported the initial allegation,” the police department said. “Survivors’ experiences ranged from sexual assault and indecent assault, more commonly recognised as groping, and financial abuse, with some survivors experiencing every element of Anthony Odiong’s manipulation.” The police said they “believe there may be more survivors, and we wish to speak with anyone who [has] had similar encounters” with the priest. The Archdiocese of New Orleans issued a brief news release on Tuesday noting Odiong's arrest in Florida. The archdiocese “encourages anyone with any information to contact law enforcement,” the release said.](https://chronicle.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ezgif-6-4730550ede-450x300.jpg "Odiong: US-based Nigerian Catholic priest convicted over sexual assault")