Oyedele Reveals Nigeria’s Global Effort to Track Income of Remote and Digital Workers

Nigeria has partnered with over 100 countries to track income earned by Nigerians working remotely or earning from digital platforms, Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy & Tax Reforms Committee, said on Wednesday.
Speaking at a National Orientation Agency webinar, Oyedele said the government is using international data-sharing agreements, including the Common Reporting Standard (CRS), to monitor offshore income. This applies to Nigerians earning from foreign employers, freelancing, online platforms, and influencer activities.
He emphasized that all income must be self-declared. Failure to do so could lead to “deemed income” assessments, penalties, and interest. “If you fail to declare, the system will gather intelligence. Nigeria has signed agreements with over 100 countries. We have all that information already,” Oyedele warned.
The move targets the growing digital economy, where income often crosses borders. Nigeria aims to expand its tax base and increase its tax-to-GDP ratio, currently under 10 percent, toward a projected 18 percent in the coming years.
Remote workers and online earners are expected to register with tax authorities, maintain clear records of payments, and comply with the law when the new rules take effect on January 1, 2026. Those considered tax residents in Nigeria must pay tax on worldwide income, with allowances for unilateral tax credits to prevent double taxation.
Oyedele noted some inconsistencies in recent tax legislation are being addressed, but enforcement will proceed as planned. The government’s action underscores that digital and remote income is now fully within Nigeria’s tax oversight.
For Nigerians earning abroad, the message is clear: non-compliance will be detected, and self-declaration is mandatory.