Nigeria’s crypto space is entering a new regulatory era.
A recent legal schedule—Fifth Schedule, Section 79—spells out exactly how virtual assets will be registered, classified, and taxed.
This isn’t just talk of taxation; it’s a structured framework that affects everyone from individual traders to major exchanges.
Let’s get into the details.
Key Highlights of the New Rules
The main parts of the tax law include:
1. Mandatory Registration and Licensing
- Tax registration: Anyone engaged in virtual-asset activities – exchange, trading, custody, or issuance must register with the relevant tax authority as a Virtual Assets Service Provider (VASP).
- SEC license: No VASP can operate in Nigeria without a license from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
2. Regulatory Oversight by the SEC
- The SEC will oversee only those virtual assets that qualify as securities.
- A virtual asset is treated as a security when:
- Money or other assets are invested,
- The investment is in a common enterprise,
- There’s an expectation of profit, and
- Profit depends on the efforts of a promoter or third party.
3. Taxable Transactions Defined
The law clearly lists the taxable activities:
- Sale, exchange, or transfer of virtual assets.
- Mining or staking that generates income.
- Airdrops, bounties, or any virtual-asset reward or compensation.
- Any other income-producing virtual-asset transaction.
Payments for goods or services made with virtual assets are treated just like payments in fiat currency.
The tax is calculated on the market value at the time of the transaction.
What This Means for Nigeria’s Crypto Community
i. Calls for Higher Compliance Demands
Both individuals and businesses must register, report, and possibly restructure their operations to stay compliant.
ii. Transparent Tax Events
The government has spelled out which crypto activities trigger taxes.
This reduces ambiguity but raises the need for diligent record-keeping.
iii. Professionalization of the Market
Licensed, tax-compliant exchanges will likely dominate over the unregistered ones.
I sincerely hope that this will not result in a case of the survival of the fittest for the exchanges, whereby the exchange that pays more dominates.
Policies should be put in place to avoid this.
iii. Legitimization of Crypto
By giving crypto a formal tax and regulatory framework, Nigeria is signaling that digital assets are a recognized part of its financial system.
This is a win for crypto – we are going mainstream!
I mean, how do you impose tax on something illegal?
Recall that in 2022, the government of Nigeria, via the CBN, banned crypto transactions via the banks.
Now, it is these same banks that will be used to monitor non-compliance.
In the next section, I will tell you what you will do to ensure
How to Prepare for Nigeria’s Crypto Tax
i. Register Early:
Traders and service providers should plan to register as VASPs once the framework takes effect.
This way, you will not be flagged non-compliant.
ii. Track Every Transaction:
Keep detailed records of sales, swaps, staking rewards, and payments.
You can achieve this by using trading journals. Edgewonk is a good place to start.
iii. Consult Professionals
Tax advisers and accountants familiar with crypto can help minimize liabilities and avoid penalties.
You will need to consult one or get one for your business.
iv. Use Compliant Exchanges
Choose platforms willing to obtain the SEC license and meet reporting standards to avoid losing your capital.
By 2026, conduct thorough checks before using any exchange; in case any issues arise, you can hold them accountable.
Above all, exercise caution. Don’t fall prey to the snares of non-compliance.
Let’s round up this post in the next subheading.
Final Thoughts: The Bigger Picture
As mentioned earlier, this policy is more than taxation. It is Nigeria’s move to integrate crypto into its mainstream economy.
Yes, it increases the burden on traders and businesses, but it could also bring credibility, investor protection, and new growth opportunities.
We will also see new job roles being created by the new policies.
As we are in the know about the upcoming tax, let’s prepare ourselves for it.
Now, I am passing the mic over to you:
What other adverse effect do you see the upcoming tax policy bringing to the crypto verse?
In what way are you going to prepare yourself for that?
Leave me your comments in the comment box below. I will be checking in with them as soon as they drop.
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