Non-profit organisations (NPOs) across South-West Nigeria have been urged to strengthen their compliance frameworks ahead of the implementation of the country’s new tax laws.
This call was made during the CSR-Hub Regulatory Compliance and Tax Clinic held in Lagos.
PERISCOPE NIGERIA reports that the three-day capacity-building programme, which took place at Citiheight Hotel, brought together civil society organisations, regulatory authorities, and policy experts.
The event aimed to deepen participants’ understanding of the Nigeria Tax Act 2025 and the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, both of which are expected to significantly reshape the operational landscape for nonprofit organisations beginning in 2026.
The clinic featured sessions on critical areas such as corporate governance, regulatory compliance, internal control systems, and strategies for countering terrorism financing within the nonprofit sector. Facilitators drawn from government agencies and the private sector also provided insights into the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020 and its implications for NGOs.
Participants were sensitised to the increasing compliance obligations introduced under the new tax framework. These include mandatory annual filings, stricter financial reporting standards, and enhanced accountability requirements for trustees and management teams.
In her address, Victoria Ibezim-Ohaeri, Chief Executive Officer of Spaces for Change (S4C), explained that the clinic was designed to equip civil society organisations for a more regulated and compliance-driven environment.
She noted that while the new tax laws are intended to promote transparency and accountability, they may also present challenges for smaller organisations with limited administrative capacity.
“This initiative is about equipping NPOs with the knowledge and tools required to navigate the evolving regulatory landscape without compromising their mission and impact. Compliance is no longer optional; it is essential for sustainability and credibility,” she said.
She added, “Problems are a sign of progress. The more we advance in this cause, the more challenges we are likely to encounter.”
She further stressed the importance of sustained engagement between policymakers and the nonprofit sector to ensure that regulatory reforms do not inadvertently constrain civic space or hinder development efforts.
Other highlights of the programme included a pre-assessment exercise, expert presentations on nonprofit classifications, and discussions on risk-based supervision strategies for vulnerable organisations. The clinic also offered participants opportunities for networking and the exchange of experiences.
Overall, the CSR-Hub Regulatory Compliance and Tax Clinic underscores the growing need for nonprofit organisations in Nigeria to adopt structured governance systems and align with global best practices as the country advances toward a more transparent and robust tax regime.
