The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has warned that proposed tax stamps on excisable goods would worsen inflation, shrink consumer demand, and undermine Nigeria’s competitiveness under AfCFTA. While acknowledging the gains of the 2025 Tax Act—which simplified levies and reduced compliance costs—MAN argued that tax stamps would reintroduce hidden burdens, raise production costs, and push consumers toward illicit markets.
The group questioned the effectiveness of tax stamps, citing global evidence of limited success and noting that vendors often benefit more than governments or industries. MAN stressed that Nigeria already has digital systems (ERS, e-invoicing) capable of providing transparency without extra costs.
Drawing lessons from other African countries and the UK, MAN highlighted that tax stamps often result in high costs, legal disputes, and little impact on smuggling. With Nigerian manufacturers already facing high energy, finance, and taxation pressures, MAN urged government to prioritize border control, enforcement, and digital optimization over introducing tax stamps, warning the move could deter investment and weaken industrial growth.