iDeemlawfulThe Federal Inland Revenue Service has confirmed that Nigerians will no longer be required to obtain a separate Tax Identification Number, as the National Identification Number has been adopted as the official tax ID for individuals.
The clarification comes amid rising public interest in new tax regulations and concerns over whether citizens would need to acquire additional identification numbers for tax-related dealings.
In a statement released on Monday, the revenue agency said the move forms part of wider reforms under Nigeria’s evolving tax administration system.
FIRS explained that every Nigerian’s NIN, issued by the National Identity Management Commission, now automatically serves as their Tax Identification Number.
The agency also clarified the position for businesses, noting that registered companies will no longer need a separate tax ID, as their Corporate Affairs Commission registration number will now function as their official tax identifier.
This explanation follows concerns sparked by provisions in the new tax laws requiring a Tax ID for certain transactions, including the opening and operation of bank accounts. Many Nigerians had worried this could lead to an entirely new registration process.
According to FIRS, the requirement for a Tax ID is not a new development. The agency said the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, scheduled to take effect in January 2026, simply reinforces a framework that has existed since the Finance Act of 2019.
While addressing the matter, the agency said, “The Tax ID unifies all Tax Identification Numbers previously issued by the FIRS and State Internal Revenue Services into a single identifier.”
It further stated, “For individuals, your NIN automatically serves as your Tax ID, while for registered companies, your CAC RC number is used. You do not need a physical card, as the Tax ID is a unique number linked directly to your identity.”
According to FIRS, the revised system is intended to streamline identification, eliminate duplication across government databases, and strengthen accountability within the tax system.
The agency said the reform would also help reduce tax evasion by ensuring that individuals and businesses with taxable income are properly captured.
FIRS urged Nigerians to ignore misleading information circulating about the policy, emphasising that the reform is designed to improve transparency, efficiency and fairness in tax administration, not to impose additional hardship.
The Service added that linking tax records with existing national databases will simplify compliance for taxpayers while enhancing government revenue generation.