By Charles Maduka
The Federal Inland Revenue Service has clarified that the National Identification Number issued by the National Identity Management Commission has automatically become the Tax Identification Number for Nigerians under the new tax framework.
The clarification was made through a public sensitisation video on the new tax laws circulated online. According to the FIRS, the reform is aimed at simplifying tax administration and addressing public concerns about the use of Tax ID for financial and economic transactions.
The agency explained that individuals will no longer need to obtain a separate Tax ID, as their NIN now serves that purpose. For registered businesses, the Corporate Affairs Commission registration number automatically functions as the Tax ID under the new system.
FIRS noted that the Tax ID unifies all previously issued tax identification numbers by federal and state revenue authorities into a single identifier. It stressed that no physical card is required, as the Tax ID is a unique number digitally linked to an individual’s or company’s identity.
The clarification comes amid concerns that Tax ID would be compulsory for bank account ownership. The FIRS stated that the requirement is backed by existing tax laws and will be strengthened under the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, which takes effect in 2026, to improve efficiency, close loopholes, and ensure fair tax compliance.
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