SAVANNAH LP HOSTS RETREAT FOR KEBBI LAWYERS, NON-LAWYERS ON NIGERIA'S NEW TAX LAW: EXPERTS SHARE INSIGHTS

By Umar Faruk, Birnin Kebbi

Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State -(Series news online)- Savannah Law LP organized its 5th annual retreat for lawyers and non-lawyers on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, to educate them on Nigeria's new tax regime, set to come into effect on January 1, 2026.

"The whole essence of organizing the retreat is that there is a new legislation in this country relating to taxation, and this new legislation is coming into effect from January 1, 2026," said Hussaini Zakariya, SAN, CEO and founder of Savannah LP.

Professor Kabiru Garba Muhammad stated that Nigeria is poised to generate increased revenue for infrastructure, healthcare, education, and security. "These investments are essential for attracting foreign investment and nurturing a thriving business environment," he said.

The new tax regime, outlined in the Nigeria Tax Act (NTA) 2025, repeals and replaces previous tax acts, including the Income Tax Act, Capital Gains Tax Act, VAT Act, and Stamp Duties Act. Key features include a 4% Development Levy on assessable profits, a 15% minimum effective tax rate for large companies, and changes to Capital Gains Tax (CGT) rates.

"The new regime raises the exemption threshold for small businesses, recognizes the vital role of SMEs in the economy, and introduces new investment incentives," Professor Muhammad said.

Experts in tax management and implementation, including Abdullahi Danjuma, Dr. Aminu Abdullahi, and Muhammad Ibrahim Sauwa, participated in a panel discussion.

DDP Lawal Hudu Garba, SAN, represented Dr. Junaidu Bello Marshal, Kebbi State Attorney General, at the event. Prominent attendees included Yakubu Chinoko Maikyau, SAN, Vice Chancellor of Rayhann University, Professor Muhammad Lawal  Ahmadu, Federal Inland Revenue tax controller Kebbi office, and his team, among others.

The retreat was held at the Saffar Conference Hall in Birnin Kebbi, and featured prominent personalities, including Professor Kabiru Garba Muhammad, Dean of the Faculty of Law, UDUSOK, and pioneer Dean of the Faculty of Law, FUBK, as the keynote speaker.

Experts urge stakeholders to leverage the retreat's outcome to navigate the changes and contribute to Nigeria's economic growth.