The previous deadline was set for April 14, 2026, while the initial deadline was March 31, 2026. The LIRS aims to provide taxpayers with adequate time to fulfill their statutory obligations, encouraging electronic submissions through their dedicated eTax platform.

In a statement, the LIRS expressed its appreciation for the compliance shown by taxpayers. “The Lagos State Internal Revenue Service wishes to express its sincere appreciation to esteemed taxpayers for their continued compliance and commitment to the filing of their individual annual income tax returns,” the agency stated.

The extension is intended to enhance taxpayer convenience while maintaining the integrity and accuracy of submissions. LIRS officials emphasized the importance of completing all filings electronically via the LIRS eTax platform, which is the only approved channel for submission.

Ayodele Subair, a representative of the LIRS, reiterated the necessity for electronic filings, stating, “All filings must be completed electronically via the LIRS eTax platform: https://etax.lirs.net, which remains the only approved channel for submission.”

This latest development follows an earlier extension granted by the LIRS, which was intended to allow taxpayers more time to comply with their tax obligations. The agency had initially set March 31 as the deadline before extending it to April 14.

The LIRS’s decision to extend the deadline reflects its commitment to facilitating compliance among taxpayers and ensuring that the tax filing process is as smooth as possible.

As the new deadline approaches, taxpayers are encouraged to take advantage of the additional time to complete their filings and avoid any potential penalties for late submissions.

With the extension now confirmed, taxpayers have until April 21, 2026, to submit their annual income tax returns electronically, ensuring they meet their legal obligations without undue stress.

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In a significant development regarding election law in Nigeria, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) for allegedly failing to investigate claims of electoral law abuse. This lawsuit, submitted on April 6, 2026, seeks to compel the CCB to look into allegations surrounding the improper removal of electronic transmission provisions from the recently amended Electoral Act.

The Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2026 was passed by both chambers of the National Assembly in February 2026 and subsequently signed into law by President Bola Tinubu. Notably, Clause 60 of the new law makes the electronic transmission of results optional, a change that has raised concerns among various stakeholders.

Additionally, the amended law introduces new requirements for candidates in the upcoming 2027 elections. As many as 50% of candidates may face disqualification due to new tax compliance requirements, which mandate a Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC) linked to the candidate’s National Identification Number (NIN) and company registration number.

The Nigeria Revenue Service has launched an Integrated Tax Compliance Portal (ITCP) to facilitate the automated verification of TCCs, further complicating the electoral landscape. The Electoral Act also maintains strict 14-day deadlines for pre-election challenges, which could impact the ability of candidates to contest their disqualifications.

Critics argue that the new law disproportionately targets individuals outside the current power structure. An anonymous member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) described the situation as “not transparency; this is a political purge disguised as tax administration.” Meanwhile, Chief Aiyenale Fred Jimoh emphasized that “the era of the politically powerful who operate outside the fiscal system is over.”

Senator Kawu Sumaila remarked, “If you aspire to manage a nation’s resources, you must first demonstrate you are a responsible contributor to those resources,” highlighting the government’s stance on tax compliance as a prerequisite for political participation.

These developments come in the wake of a legislative process that saw alterations to bill provisions without adequate debate or due process, raising questions about the integrity of the electoral framework. The implications of these changes will likely be felt in the upcoming elections, as candidates and parties navigate the new legal landscape.

As the situation unfolds, reactions from various political entities and civil society organizations are expected to shape the discourse surrounding election law in Nigeria. The lawsuit filed by SERAP may serve as a pivotal moment in addressing concerns over electoral integrity and accountability.

The post Election Law Developments in Nigeria: SERAP Files Lawsuit Against CCB appeared first on Toprecruitment.

The Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS) has announced an extension for the filing of individual annual income tax returns, moving the deadline from March 31 to April 30, 2026. This decision was made to improve compliance among taxpayers.

In a related development, the Lagos Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) has also extended its deadline for filing individual annual tax returns from April 1 to April 14, 2026. These extensions provide additional time for individuals to ensure their tax returns are accurately filed.

The statutory deadline for filing individual annual income tax returns is typically March 31 each year. The extensions granted by both the FCT-IRS and LIRS reflect ongoing efforts to enhance tax compliance across Nigeria.

Mr. Michael Ango, the Executive Chairman of FCT-IRS, emphasized the importance of timely filing, stating, “Individuals should prioritize the timely filing of their annual income tax returns.” He also highlighted that electronic filing through the FCT-IRS tax portal is the approved method for submitting returns, which is described as secure, efficient, and accessible.

Similarly, Ayodele Subair, the Executive Chairman of LIRS, noted that compliance should be a routine personal practice for individuals. LIRS requires taxpayers to file their returns exclusively through the LIRS eTax portal, which is characterized as secure, user-friendly, and accessible 24/7.

In Rivers State, the Rivers Internal Revenue Service (RIRS) is also addressing tax compliance issues. Israel Egbunefu, the Executive Chairman of RIRS, mentioned that businesses in the state are encouraged to protect themselves from violent and fraudulent revenue collectors. He suggested the establishment of a one-stop tax center to improve compliance.

As these developments unfold, the focus remains on enhancing the efficiency of tax collection and compliance in Nigeria. The extensions granted by the FCT-IRS and LIRS are seen as a positive step towards achieving this goal.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding any further initiatives that may be introduced to support taxpayers during this extended filing period.

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OPay Digital Services Limited has been a significant player in Nigeria’s digital economy, providing various financial services and solutions. Prior to recent reports, the company enjoyed a reputation for compliance and transparency, operating its offices in major cities such as Lagos and Abuja without disruption.

Recent Developments

On March 12, 2026, reports surfaced claiming that the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) had sealed OPay’s offices due to alleged non-compliance with tax obligations. Specifically, these reports suggested that OPay was failing to adhere to the Value Added Tax and Company Income Tax requirements under the Nigeria Tax Act 2025. This narrative raised concerns about the company’s operational status and compliance with regulatory frameworks.

OPay’s Response

In response to these claims, OPay management issued a statement clarifying that their offices in Lagos and Abuja remain open and fully operational. They emphasized, “Our offices across Nigeria, including Lagos and Abuja, remain open and fully operational, and we continue to serve our customers, partners, and merchants without disruption.” This assertion directly contradicts the reports suggesting a shutdown.

Clarifying the Misunderstanding

OPay further explained that the notice referenced in the reports was a result of an industry-wide directive from the NRS, which requested payment platforms to display certain statutory charges separately. The company stated, “The suggestion that the notice indicates non-payment of taxes is therefore factually incorrect and misleading.” This clarification aims to address the misconceptions surrounding their tax compliance status.

Impact on Stakeholders

The implications of these reports extend beyond OPay itself, potentially affecting its customers, partners, and the broader digital economy in Nigeria. OPay criticized the selective nature of the reporting, which they believe distorts the facts and undermines the reputation of a company that has consistently demonstrated strong compliance and cooperation with regulators. They noted, “Such reporting not only distorts the facts but also appears calculated to undermine the reputation of a company that has consistently demonstrated strong compliance, transparency, and cooperation with regulators.”

Looking Ahead

As OPay continues to operate and serve its clients, the company remains committed to supporting Nigeria’s digital economy through secure and inclusive financial services. They have urged stakeholders to disregard the misleading reports about their operational status, emphasizing their ongoing compliance with all applicable tax obligations and regulatory requirements. OPay’s management reiterated, “For the avoidance of doubt, the information currently circulating online suggesting that OPay is shutting down or our offices have been shut down should be disregarded, as it does not reflect the true situation.”

While the reports regarding OPay’s office closures have created uncertainty, the company’s proactive communication and commitment to compliance highlight its resilience in the face of misinformation. Details remain unconfirmed, but OPay’s operational status and dedication to the digital economy remain steadfast.

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