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ZENODO
Article . 2025
License: CC BY
Data sources: ZENODO
ZENODO
Article . 2025
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
ZENODO
Article . 2025
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
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AN OVERVIEW OF THE ADMINISTRATION OF VALUE ADDED TAX UNDER THE NIGERIAN TAX LAW

Authors: Dr. Yusha'u Sheikh Uthman 1 & Dr. Abdullahi Muhammad Kontagora 2;

AN OVERVIEW OF THE ADMINISTRATION OF VALUE ADDED TAX UNDER THE NIGERIAN TAX LAW

Abstract

The government employs Value Added Tax as a primary mechanism for generating revenue to fund public services and develop infrastructure. Governed by the VAT Act, the administration of this tax is consequently crucial for the nation's economic development. The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) is designated as the primary body responsible for managing VAT, a role that encompasses the registration of taxable entities, as well as assessment, collection, auditing, enforcement, and taxpayer education. Despite the critical importance of VAT management, the legal framework in Nigeria has been beset by numerous problems and challenges. Among these issues are weak taxpayer compliance, particularly within the informal sector, and the common practice of under-declaring sales by registered businesses. Furthermore, constitutional disputes have arisen between federal and state governments regarding taxing authority, compounded by institutional inefficiencies that undermine both enforcement and revenue collection efforts. This paper presents a detailed analysis of Value Added Tax (VAT) administration under Nigerian tax law, concentrating on its legal structure, the institutional duties of revenue authorities, and the challenges that have influenced its implementation. Employing a doctrinal research methodology, this study determines that while VAT has been instrumental in diversifying Nigeria’s revenue base away from its heavy reliance on oil, its administration has not yet achieved its maximum potential. Although recent digital reforms have enhanced efficiency, significant deficiencies persist in the areas of enforcement, taxpayer education, and inter-agency coordination. Consequently, this paper recommends that the government bolster the administrative capacity of the FIRS, resolve constitutional ambiguities surrounding taxing powers through judicial interpretation or legislative amendment, and broaden the integration of digital technologies to minimize revenue leakages.

Keywords

Nigerian Fiscal Policy, VAT Compliance Framework, Federal Tax Authority, Revenue Generation Mechanisms, Fiscal Federalism.

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selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
0
Average
Average
Average
Green