The suspension takes effect immediately, halting new certificate approvals while existing ones remain valid until expiry with no renewals allowed.
Nigeria’s Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) announced on 30 July 2025, the cessation of tax-exemption certificates for all taxpayers, including pioneer-status companies, NGOs, and entities in free-trade or export-processing zones.
The FIRS announced that the suspension is effective immediately, with no new certificates being processed or approved. Entities with valid exemption certificates should note that these certificates remain effective until their expiry date, after which renewals will no longer be granted.
The FIRS also mandates strict adherence to legal provisions and procedures for tax relief claims, warning of severe penalties for forgery or misrepresentation of exemption status.