The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has moved to debunk widespread rumors that Nigerians will be required to obtain a separate Tax Identification Number (TIN) to operate or open a bank account starting in January 2026. The misinformation had caused public concern over new bureaucratic hurdles for citizens.
In a statement, the FIRS explained that its TIN framework is designed to integrate with existing national registries. This means that a person’s National Identification Number (NIN) or a company’s Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) registration number automatically serves as their tax identifier.
“The reality is that Nigeria’s tax system has evolved to integrate seamlessly with existing national registries,” said Aderonke Atoyebi, the FIRS’s Technical Assistant on Broadcast Media. “Every eligible individual or entity is automatically identifiable for tax purposes.”
She noted that the TIN is a 13-digit identifier that links a person or entity’s tax record to their existing national registry details. This integration is meant to streamline the tax process and ensure that individuals and businesses are automatically enrolled in the tax system without needing to apply for a separate number.
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