Nigeria Revenue Service Unveils New Crypto Tax Guidelines

On July 31, 2026, the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) released comprehensive guidelines for taxing cryptocurrencies and other virtual assets under the Nigeria Tax Act, 2025. This marks the most detailed tax framework for digital assets in Nigeria to date.

The guidelines specify that virtually everyone involved in virtual asset transactions, including individuals and companies that buy, sell, or exchange cryptocurrencies, must pay taxes. The NRS classifies virtual assets into six categories: cryptocurrencies and exchange tokens, stablecoins, investment tokens, utility and governance tokens, NFTs, and CBN digital currencies.

Tax obligations include income tax on gains from disposal and stamp duty on eligible token transfers. Notably, tokenised Nigerian stocks retain tax exemptions applicable to ordinary Nigerian shares.

The guidelines also clarify that certain digital currencies will continue to be treated like conventional fiat currencies, exempting them from special virtual asset tax obligations.