The National Identification Number (NIN), issued by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), will automatically serve as a Tax ID for Nigerians starting January 2026, according to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).
This announcement comes amid concerns regarding a provision in tax laws which stipulates that a Tax ID is necessary for owning a bank account.
Data released by the NIMC indicates that as of October 2025, a total of 123.9 million Nigerians had received their NIN.
In a public awareness campaign regarding the new tax laws posted on X on Monday, the Service also highlighted that for registered businesses, the Registration Certificate (RC) number issued by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) will automatically become their tax ID under the new tax framework.
The Nigeria Tax Administration Act (NTAA), set to come into effect from January 2026, mandates the use of a Tax ID for certain transactions, as outlined in the campaign.
It was noted that this requirement is not new; it has existed since the Finance Act of 2019 and has been reinforced under the NTAA.
The FIRS stated that the new Tax ID systems will simplify identification, reduce duplication, close loopholes for tax evasion, and ensure fairness, ensuring that everyone who earns taxable income contributes their fair share.
“The Tax ID consolidates all Tax Identification Numbers (TINs) previously issued by the FIRS and state IRS into a single identifier.
“For individuals, your NIN will automatically function as your Tax ID, while registered companies will use their CAC RC number.
“There is no need for a physical card; the Tax ID is a unique number directly linked to your identity,” the FIRS confirmed.
While providing an update on the tax laws set to take effect on January 1, 2026, the Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, Taiwo Oyedele, dismissed claims that all bank accounts must have a Tax Identification Number (TIN) before January 2026.
He explained that Section 4 of the NTAA requires a taxable person to obtain a Tax ID, and a taxable income is defined as any earnings from trade or economic activity.
Oyedele stated that individuals with no income, such as students and dependents, are not required to obtain a Tax ID.
He further added that anyone operating a business bank account or a corporate account since 2020 already possesses a Tax Identification Number.
