Nigeria's free trade zones are counting down to a 2028 deadline that will bring goods sold into the domestic customs territory under full taxation, according to a report by Tax TV.
The transition signals a major shift in the fiscal regime governing the country's free trade zones, which have historically benefited from tax exemptions on goods and services produced within their boundaries.
Under the current framework, enterprises operating within designated free trade zones enjoy relief from various domestic tax obligations. However, the 2028 timeline introduces a new compliance requirement for goods moving from the zones into Nigeria's domestic market, effectively closing a long-standing gap between zone-based incentives and domestic revenue collection.
Observers note that the approaching deadline will require businesses operating in the zones to reassess their supply chain and pricing models, particularly those that rely heavily on domestic market sales.
Further details on the specific tax instruments, rates, and administrative procedures tied to the 2028 transition were not immediately available at the time of this report.
The development aligns with broader efforts to harmonise Nigeria's tax framework and expand the domestic revenue base while balancing the investment attractiveness of the country's special economic zones.