Taxation is not just a legal obligation — it is a critical element in strategic planning for both businesses and individuals. We provide comprehensive and innovative legal support across the full spectrum of Nigerian tax regimes, combining legal insight with commercial acumen to help clients stay compliant while minimising exposure to tax liabilities.
At Smith & Partners LP, we understand that taxation is not just a legal obligation — it is a critical element in strategic planning for both businesses and individuals. Our Taxation Law practice offers comprehensive and innovative legal support across the full spectrum of Nigerian tax regimes, including personal income tax, company income tax, value-added tax (VAT), petroleum profits tax, capital gains tax, stamp duties, and custom duties.
Our team is adept at navigating the complexities of Nigeria's tax system, and we provide tailored legal guidance to clients across diverse sectors including banking, oil and gas, telecommunications, construction, fintech, entertainment, and manufacturing. We routinely advise on tax-efficient structuring of investments, cross-border transactions, and mergers and acquisitions.
We have successfully represented clients in tax audits and investigations initiated by the FIRS, State Internal Revenue Services (SIRS), and the Nigeria Customs Service. One of our Partners was a member of the legal team that advised a multinational telecom company on a ₦5.2 billion tax assessment dispute with the FIRS, resulting in a favourable settlement through mediation.
We are currently advising a leading Nigerian fintech startup on its tax compliance framework in light of evolving regulatory expectations from the FIRS and the CBN — including issues around transaction levies, withholding tax obligations, and digital service taxes.
In addition to representation, we assist clients in developing internal tax compliance protocols, training accounting teams, and preparing for audits. We have also conducted tax due diligence and risk assessments for local and international clients considering expansion or acquisition in Nigeria.
Our Taxation Law team also collaborates with our Dispute Resolution team in contentious matters before the Tax Appeal Tribunal (TAT), High Courts, and appellate courts, ensuring that our clients are well-protected at all stages of tax litigation.