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In 2026, the definition of ‘property’ has officially entered the digital age. The Nigeria Tax Act 2025 has expanded the scope of Capital Gains Tax (CGT) to include virtual and digital assets. If you are a crypto trader, an NFT creator, or a tech investor, your ‘exits’ are now subject to the same tax laws as real estate or stock sales.
The New 30% CGT Rate
For many years, CGT was fixed at 10%. In 2026, the rate for companies has been harmonized with the Company Income Tax (CIT) rate at 30%. This applies to the profit (gain) made from the disposal of assets. However, small businesses with an annual turnover below ₦100 million remain exempt from CGT. You can find more on these company categories in The Ultimate Guide to CIT.
Taxing Bitcoin, NFTs, and Digital Assets
The Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) now explicitly taxes gains from the sale of:
- Cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.).
- Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs).
- Other virtual assets traded on digital exchanges.
Note: Tax is only due when you sell or swap the asset for another currency or good. Holding the asset is not a taxable event. For more on digital business rules, see VAT for Digital Services in Nigeria.
CGT Exemptions and Reliefs
- Small Sales: Gains below ₦150 million in a 12-month period are exempt for individuals, subject to a ₦10 million cap per disposal.
- Reinvestment Relief: If you sell a business asset and use the proceeds to buy a similar asset within 12 months, you can defer the tax.
- Principal Residence: Selling the house you live in remains tax-free.
To ensure you’re calculating these correctly, refer to How to Calculate CIT. For expert advice on crypto tax, consult KPMG Nigeria or the NRS official guidelines.
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