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Laws for startups.

Young tech and innovation companies and their founders.

  1. Digital and dataIn force

    National Identity Management Commission (Establishment) Act, 2026

    Act No. 3 of 2026Signed 26 June 2026Explainer: draft

    The NIMC Act 2026 replaces the 2007 law behind the National Identification Number (NIN). Every citizen and resident is entitled to a NIN, including people with no fixed address or no documents, who can be identified by a relative. Your NIN is required for passports, voter cards, bank accounts, SIM registration, land, loans, insurance and taxes. Access to your data needs your consent or a legal reason, and hacking or leaking the database carries at least ₦10 million or five years in prison.

    Rights & opportunities

    7 explained
    • Everyone is entitled to a NIN
    • No documents? A relative can vouch for you
    • Told how your data will be used, and who gets it
    Explore all 7 explanations →

    What it asks of you

    4 duties explained

    2 explained duties carry a possible prison penalty.

    Read all 4 duties & conditions →
  2. TaxIn force

    Nigeria Tax Act, 2025

    Act No. 7 of 2025Signed 26 June 2025Explainer: draft

    The Nigeria Tax Act brings major federal tax rules together. Under the National Assembly edition used here, the first ₦800,000 of annual chargeable individual income is taxed at 0%. Qualifying small companies pay 0% company income tax; other companies generally pay 30%. A separate 4% development levy has exceptions. VAT exemptions and zero-rating apply to specified supplies.

    Rights & opportunities

    10 explained
    • Your first ₦800,000 of chargeable income is taxed at 0%
    • No income tax on the national minimum wage
    • Rent relief of up to ₦500,000
    Explore all 10 explanations →

    What it asks of you

    5 duties explained
    Read all 5 duties & conditions →
  3. TaxIn force

    Nigeria Tax Administration Act, 2025

    Act No. 5 of 2025Signed 26 June 2025Explainer: draft

    The Tax Administration Act covers tax registration, returns, payment, refunds and enforcement. Tax IDs, filing requirements and deadlines depend on the relevant provision. Refunds are due within 90 days of the authority’s decision after audit. Tax-clearance requests require a certificate or reasons for denial. This draft uses the National Assembly published edition.

    Rights & opportunities

    6 explained
    • A Tax ID, or reasons within five working days of refusal
    • A refund within 90 days of the authority’s decision
    • A tax clearance certificate within two weeks
    Explore all 6 explanations →

    What it asks of you

    9 duties explained

    2 explained duties carry a possible prison penalty.

    Read all 9 duties & conditions →
  4. Digital and dataIn force

    Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023

    Act No. 37 of 2023Signed 12 June 2023Explainer: draft

    The Data Protection Act sets rights over personal information and duties for organisations that process it. You can request access, correction or erasure, subject to legal conditions, and object to direct marketing. Organisations need a lawful basis, security measures and a breach response process. Penalty ceilings depend on their category and the greater of a statutory naira amount and a percentage of revenue.

    Rights & opportunities

    6 explained
    • The right to know what a company holds about you, and get a copy
    • The right to correct or delete your data
    • Say no to direct marketing, and withdraw consent at any time
    Explore all 6 explanations →

    What it asks of you

    4 duties explained
    Read all 4 duties & conditions →
  5. Business and companiesAmended

    Nigeria Startup Act, 2022

    Act No. 32 of 2022Signed 19 October 2022Explainer: draft

    The Startup Act creates a startup label for eligible Nigerian technology companies. It provides for funding support, regulatory access and an Industrial Training Fund exemption where in-house training is provided. Tax benefits must be read with the 2025 tax reforms. Programme availability and application requirements depend on the implementing bodies.

    Rights & opportunities

    9 explained
    • An official startup label, valid for 10 years
    • Six months of "pre-label" status for sole traders and partnerships
    • No Industrial Training Fund contributions if you train staff yourself
    Explore all 9 explanations →

    What it asks of you

    1 duty explained
    Read duties & conditions →

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