← The Act in plain English

Nigeria Tax Administration Act, 2025 · s.114–s.119

Getting in the way of an officer

Obstruction carries ₦1,000,000, and a fine or up to three years on conviction.

Who this lands on: Anyone dealing with a tax officer at their premises.

Obstructing, hindering or assaulting an officer, impeding a search or seizure, or destroying anything liable to seizure carries an administrative penalty of ₦1,000,000 and, on conviction, a fine of up to ₦1,000,000 or up to three years, or both (s.119).

Impersonating an officer, and inducing one, each carry up to ₦1,000,000 or up to three years (ss.115, 117). Causing injury while armed carries up to 10 years (s.116).

Aiding or abetting any offence under the Act carries ₦1,000,000 or up to three years, or both (s.118).

If an officer arrives and you are not ready, the calm answer is to let them in and get your records out. The penalty for poor books is far smaller than the penalty for a locked door.

Also in What it costs when it slips

This is a plain reading of the Act for orientation, not tax advice. Where money is at stake, check the section itself or ask an accredited tax agent.