Practice area 07
Tax and customs
Planning that stands up to questions, and representation when the tax authority asks them.
We advise companies and individuals on the tax consequences of their decisions before they make them, and represent them when an assessment arrives. Our work covers companies income tax, VAT, withholding tax, stamp duties, personal income tax and customs duties.
Disputes with federal and state tax authorities are a large part of our practice. We prepare objections within the time limits, negotiate with audit teams and appear before the Tax Appeal Tribunal and the Federal High Court.
On transactions we structure acquisitions and reorganisations so the tax cost is understood and documented, and we obtain the clearances and rulings that buyers and lenders expect.
The practice
Services, process and example fees
Advisory
Clear written opinions on the tax effect of a plan.
Disputes
Objections, negotiation and appeals.
Transactions
Structuring, clearances and stamp duties.
Compliance reviews
Health checks on VAT and withholding tax before an audit finds the gaps.
Customs
Classification, valuation and release of detained goods.
- Day 1
Deadline check
We confirm the time limit to object or appeal.
- Week 1
Review
We review the assessment and your records.
- Weeks 2 to 4
Objection
We file and negotiate with the authority.
- If needed
Appeal
We take the matter to the tribunal.
| Service | Scope | Example fee | Typical time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tax opinion | One question, written | ₦500,000 | 1 to 2 weeks |
| Objection to an assessment | Drafting and filing | From ₦750,000 | 2 weeks |
| Tribunal appeal | Phased | Quoted per matter | 6 to 18 months |
| VAT health check | One year of returns | ₦650,000 | 3 weeks |
Example rates for this demo, plus VAT at 7.5 percent and government fees at cost.
Selected matters
Recent work (examples)
Reduced a manufacturer’s disputed assessment by 78 percent through objection and negotiation (example matter).
Structured the tax side of a hotel group reorganisation with no unexpected stamp duty (example matter).
Secured release of detained equipment for a hospital after a classification dispute (example matter).
Represents companies before federal and state tax authorities and the Tax Appeal Tribunal, and plans the tax side of mergers and restructurings.
The team
Who leads your tax matter
Partner
Ibrahim Abdullahi
Tax and customs
Senior associate
Efe Oghenekaro
Dispute resolution
How we staff it
Ibrahim leads and signs off every piece of advice. Efe runs the matter day to day and is your first call. A pupil or NYSC member supports research and filings, supervised at every step.
If your matter touches other areas, Ibrahim brings in the right partner and keeps one fee estimate.
Questions
Asked often
How long do I have to object to an assessment?
Usually 30 days from the date you receive it. Call us on day one, not day 29.
Do you prepare tax returns?
We work alongside your accountants. We focus on advice, disputes and transactions.
Can you advise individuals?
Yes, especially on personal income tax for senior executives and on estate planning with our private client team.
Will objecting make things worse?
A well-prepared objection is a normal part of the process and is treated as such.
Related
Areas that often work alongside this one
01
Corporate and commercial
From the day you register the company to the day you sell it, with clean records in between.
02
Dispute resolution
Litigation, arbitration and mediation, run with a plan, a budget and an honest view of your chances from the first meeting.
03
Private client and family
Wills, trusts, letters of administration, divorce, custody and family business succession, handled with.
Consultations
Book a consultation with the right partner
Forty-five minutes, in chambers in Gwarinpa or by video, for ₦50,000 (example rate), credited to your first invoice. We run a conflict check before we meet.
