Deductions for tax purposes are granted if the expenses meet the criteria for allowable deductions. Allowable deductions are expenses incurred wholly, exclusively, necessarily, and reasonably in the production of taxable income
Employment expenses
NHF contributions, National Health Insurance Scheme contributions, life assurance premiums (including deferred annuities), national pension scheme contributions, and gratuities are deductible.
Mortgage or other loan interest relating to owner-occupied accommodations is deductible from employment compensation.
Personal deductions
Healthcare expenses
Medical expenses and insurance premiums are deductible.
Life insurance premiums
Relief for life insurance premiums (including deferred annuities) for the taxpayer and the taxpayer's spouse is restricted to the actual premium paid to an insurance company by the individual during the year preceding the year of assessment. In relation to a deferred annuity product, any portion withdrawn before the end of fiveyears from the date the premium was paid will be subject to income tax at the point of withdrawal.
Standard deductions
There is no blanket or standard deduction for expenses.
Personal allowances
| Allowance | Limit |
| Consolidated relief allowance | Higher of NGN 200,000 or 1% of gross income plus 20% of gross income * |
As a result of the consolidated relief allowance of at least 21% of gross income, the top marginal tax rate is 18.96% for income above NGN 20 million as only 79% of income is taxed at 24%; however, for income below NGN 20 million, the marginal rate is 19.2%.
* 'Gross income' means income from all sources less all non-taxable income, income on which no further tax is payable, tax-exempt items listed in paragraph two of the sixth schedule, and all allowable business expenses and capital allowances.
Business deductions
Examples of deductible business expenses include:
- Interest on money borrowed for business purposes.
- Rent and premium payable on land or buildings occupied for the purpose of acquiring the income.
- Repairs and maintenance expenses for premises, plant, or machinery used in generating income.
- Bad debts.
- Subscriptions, provided they relate to the business or profession.
