
Nigeria and the Kingdom of the Netherlands have formally commenced renegotiations of their long-standing Double Taxation Agreement (DTA). This comes in the wake of Nigeria’s sweeping tax reforms recently signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, signaling a bold shift in the country’s fiscal landscape.
The talks were officially flagged off at the Revenue House in Abuja, where Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr. Zacch Adedeji, hosted the Dutch delegation led by Ambassador Bengt van Loosdrecht. According to a statement by FIRS on Monday, July 8, the negotiations mark a new era in Nigeria’s international tax diplomacy.
The Netherlands becomes the first country to engage with Nigeria on realigning its tax treaty in line with the new tax legislation. These include the Nigeria Tax Act, Nigeria Tax Administration Act, Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, and the Joint Tax Board (Establishment) Act—all signed into law in June 2025 by President Tinubu. These acts collectively overhaul Nigeria’s tax structure, streamline revenue administration, and promote greater fiscal transparency.
Dr. Adedeji described the meeting as “timely,” noting that global tax trends, especially the campaign against Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS), make it imperative for Nigeria to review outdated bilateral tax arrangements.
“Recent developments in the domestic and global tax landscape have made the review of the existing agreement unavoidable,” he stated. “This renegotiation meets with the policy objectives of the ongoing fiscal and tax reforms initiated by the administration of President Bola Tinubu.”

He emphasized that the revised DTA is expected to broaden Nigeria’s domestic tax base, strengthen revenue collection mechanisms, and encourage equitable tax practices—especially for multinational corporations operating in both countries.
Ambassador van Loosdrecht echoed these sentiments, commending the spirit of collaboration driving the discussions. “The fact that we meet here today is an indication of goodwill and the good faith in which we want to engage,” he said. “Ultimately, a treaty is about finding common ground and building upon that. I know both of our sides have very competent, professional teams, and I am confident we will have a very fruitful week.”
The renegotiation is not just a diplomatic formality but a strategic economic move. The Netherlands is one of Nigeria’s most reliable trade and investment partners in Europe, with Dutch companies deeply embedded in key sectors including energy, logistics, agriculture, and maritime services. A modernized DTA is expected to reduce the tax burden on these businesses, eliminate instances of double taxation, and create a more investor-friendly environment.
FIRS noted that the next six months will be dedicated to harmonizing tax data, implementing the new laws, and putting systems in place for the operationalization of the Nigeria Revenue Service, which is scheduled to take effect from January 1, 2026.
“This transition period will also cover the review of existing tax agreements to ensure they reflect the provisions of the new reforms,” the service confirmed.

The renegotiation also aligns with Nigeria’s obligations under international frameworks such as the OECD’s Inclusive Framework on BEPS, to which it is a signatory. Analysts see this as a proactive step that could inspire other treaty partners to begin similar renegotiations, especially as the country works to shore up non-oil revenue streams amid growing economic diversification efforts.
This development comes amid broader economic restructuring by the Tinubu administration, which has prioritized tax efficiency, digital revenue tracking, and improved fiscal discipline as part of its Renewed Hope Agenda.
With Nigeria setting a new standard in international tax cooperation, all eyes are now on the outcome of these negotiations and how they will reshape the country’s investment climate going forward.