Tax Filing Deadline Chaos as Portal Crashes in Nigeria

On March 31, 2023, the tax filing deadline in Nigeria was marred by significant issues as the FCT Internal Revenue Service portal crashed, leaving millions unable to file their taxes. Many Nigerians, including small business owner Adekunle Ogunbiyi and teacher Chioma Ez, reported economic hardships, with inflation at 32.7% and food inflation exceeding 40%.

The portal's inaccessibility forced individuals to queue at tax offices, where they were often turned away. Reports indicated that the digital system experienced prolonged outages, and officials confirmed that the portal remained offline for several days.

Economists like Tund Oladapo highlighted the disconnect between the tax system and the economic realities faced by citizens, noting that many cannot afford basic necessities, let alone taxes. The FCT Internal Revenue Service has not announced an extension for the filing deadline, leaving many to question the potential penalties for late filings amidst these challenges.