Nigerian stamp duty rates 2026: Property purchases 1.5-6% (varies by state and type). Bank transfers ₦10,000+ attract ₦50 flat. Loan agreements 0.125%. Share transfers 0.75%. Lease agreements 0.5-1%. Insurance policies ₦500-₦2,000 fixed. Stamp duty makes documents legally enforceable—unstamped documents cannot be used as court evidence.
Stamp Duty in Nigeria
Understand stamp duty rates, requirements, and how to ensure your documents are legally valid
How much is stamp duty on property in Nigeria?
Stamp duty on property in Nigeria ranges from 1.5% to 6% depending on the state and property type. Lagos: 1.5% residential, 3% commercial. FCT Abuja: 3% flat. Other states: typically 1-2%. The duty is calculated on the property purchase price or market value, whichever is higher.
Stamp Duty Rates by Document Type
| Document Type | Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Property Deed (Residential) | 1.5% - 3% | Varies by state |
| Property Deed (Commercial) | 3% - 6% | Higher in commercial zones |
| Lease Agreement | 0.5% - 1% | Of total lease value |
| Loan Agreement | 0.125% | Flat rate on loan amount |
| Share Transfer | 0.75% | Of share value |
| Bank Transfer (₦10K+) | ₦50 flat | Automatic deduction |
| Insurance Policy | ₦500 - ₦2,000 | Fixed amount |
| Power of Attorney | ₦500 - ₦1,000 | Fixed amount |
Common Stamp Duty Scenarios
Buying a House
₦50M house in Lagos = ₦750,000 stamp duty (1.5%)
Paid at Land Registry during registration of deed
Renting an Office
₦5M annual rent × 3 years = ₦75,000 stamp duty (0.5%)
Calculated on total lease value
Getting a Loan
₦10M loan = ₦12,500 stamp duty (0.125%)
Usually deducted by bank from loan proceeds
Bank Transfer
Any transfer ₦10,000+ = ₦50 flat
Automatically deducted by sending bank
Property Purchase Example
Buying ₦80M Property in Lagos
Note: This is about 4.9% of the property value in additional costs, excluding legal fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is stamp duty in Nigeria?
Stamp duty is a tax on legal documents and transactions. It's required for agreements, property transfers, bank transactions, and certain contracts to be legally enforceable.
How much is stamp duty on property in Nigeria?
Property stamp duty varies by state: Lagos charges 1.5% of property value for residential, 3% for commercial. FCT charges 3% flat. Other states typically charge 1-2%.
Is bank transfer stamp duty still applicable?
Yes, electronic transfers of ₦10,000 and above attract a ₦50 stamp duty charge, which banks deduct automatically from the sender.
Who pays stamp duty - buyer or seller?
Traditionally the buyer pays stamp duty on property purchases. For other documents, the party receiving the benefit typically pays, though this can be negotiated.
Can I enforce an unstamped agreement?
No, an unstamped document is not admissible as evidence in court. You can stamp it late with additional penalties (usually double the original duty).
Track All Your Transaction Costs
KeepAm helps you account for stamp duty and other transaction fees