The federal government has directed all ministries, departments and agencies (MDA) of government to immediately discontinue with the 1% stamp duty deduction provisions from payments to contractors, vendors, suppliers and service providers.

The directive was contained in a circular signed by the Accountant General of the Federation, Dr. Shamseldeen Ogunjimi.

It said the directive is in order to ensure strict compliance with the provisions of the Nigeria Tax Act 2025 as well as to prevent the misapplication of statutory deductions.

According to the circular, the new tax law provides that stamp duty is imposed on chargeable instruments and not on payment transactions.

“Henceforth, MDAs should note that stamp duty under the new regime is now applicable strictly to instruments and transactions expressly chargeable under the provisions and schedules of the Act”, it said.

It however noted that stamp duty validly deducted prior to the commencement of the new tax law, remains preserved under the savings provisions of the Act.

The circular further states that the Nigeria Tax Act effective January 1 2026, governs the administration of stamp duty. “MDAs should further note that except for contracts awarded prior to January 1, 2026, the stamp duty provisions under the new Tax Act 2025 shall apply”, it noted.

Under the new Nigeria Tax Act 2025, any agreement first executed in Nigeria, or relating to property/thing done in Nigeria, that is up to N1,000,000 must pay a fixed rate of N1,000 flat stamp duty.

It also covers transfer of mineral assets: including rights/interests in oil, gas, solid minerals, mining/exploration licenses/leases. The rate is two per cent of the value of the transfer;  0.75 per cent on authorized share capital at incorporation or registration of new shares; while the N50 flat electronic bank transfers/receipts on transfers of up to N10,000 and above, is now to be paid by the sender only while the receiver gets his full amount.