Nigeria multiple taxation is the biggest headache for businesses. In the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Business Expectations Survey for July 2026, 70.8% of respondent firms named high and multiple taxation as their most pressing constraint.
What happened
The survey ranked taxation ahead of insecurity and high interest rates as the main obstacle to doing business. The finding was reported by MSME Africa.
Why it matters
Multiple taxation usually means businesses face overlapping charges from federal, state and local authorities. For small and medium-sized firms, that can squeeze margins and make it harder to plan, hire and expand. That so many firms put it above security and borrowing costs suggests the cost of compliance is weighing heavily on day-to-day operations.
The result adds to the debate over how Nigeria can improve its business environment while still raising the revenue governments need.
What to watch
Watch for whether the next CBN survey shows any easing in tax concerns, and whether federal and state authorities respond with clearer rules or fewer overlapping levies.
Source: MSME Africa, citing the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Business Expectations Survey, July 2026.
