Nigeria

WHT is applicable on specified transactions as indicated below. There is no distinction between the WHT rates for resident companies or individuals and non-resident companies or individuals.

The period for filing WHT is 21st day of the month following the month of payment. Where the payment is due between related parties the timeline for payment is the month following the month of payment or when the liability is recognised. 

The penalty for failure to deduct or remit tax is 10% of the amount not deducted/remitted.

Note that companies are required to submit, in electronic form, a schedule of all their suppliers for the month showing the tax identification number (TIN), address of the suppliers, the nature of the transaction, WHT deducted, and invoice number. Companies are also required to issue tax credit certificates showing the WHT deducted and paid.

Double tax treaties (DTTs)

Nigeria has DTTs with the countries listed in the table below. Nigeria also has tax treaties with Kenya, Mauritius, and Poland; however, these treaties have not been ratified by the Nigerian National Assembly. 

* The tax treaty with South Korea is still being ratified.

** The tax treaty with the ECOWAS countries has been ratified in Nigeria but is yet to be ratified in the counter-party countries. Consequently, it is not yet in force.