The Federal Inland Revenue Service has clarified that Nigerians do not need to obtain a separate Tax Identification Number before they can own or operate a bank account.
The clarification followed widespread debate triggered by reports suggesting that from January 2026, Nigerians would be required to present a TIN to open or maintain bank accounts.
Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi, Technical Assistant on Broadcast Media to the Executive Chairman of FIRS, Zacch Adedeji, addressed the issue in a statement on her official X handle on Saturday.
“In recent debates about Nigeria’s tax reforms, a widespread misconception has taken root: that citizens without a Tax Identification Number (TIN) cannot own or operate a bank account,” Atoyebi wrote.
Related News: FG Abolishes Five Percent Telecoms Tax
MTN, Airtel See Record Data Revenue Growth In Nigeria
FAAC: FG, State, LGs share N1.127trn revenue
She explained that the new framework integrates seamlessly with existing national registries such as the National Identification Number and Corporate Affairs Commission records.
According to her, the TIN is a 13-digit identifier designed to uniquely capture details of taxable persons and entities across Nigeria.
“The TIN is not a standalone requirement imposed on citizens. Instead, it’s a statutory tool that ensures every taxpayer, whether an individual, a registered business, or an association, can be uniquely verified within the national tax system,” she stated.
She stressed that for individuals, the TIN is automatically linked to their NIN issued by the National Identity Management Commission.
“When an individual provides their NIN, such as during bank account opening or Know Your Customer processes, the system cross-checks the NIN in the national database. As part of this verification, the TIN is automatically retrieved and attached to the person’s records,” she said.
Atoyebi added that businesses are also covered, as their TIN is tied directly to their Corporate Affairs Commission registration number.
“For cooperatives, partnerships, professional bodies, and other legal entities, the TIN is connected to their respective recognised registries. This linkage ensures that corporate entities can be transparently identified for both tax and compliance purposes,” she explained.
Highlighting the benefits, she said the framework would allow seamless banking access, reduce fraud, ensure regulatory compliance, and promote inclusivity.
“Individuals and businesses can open and operate bank accounts using their NIN or RC number, with the TIN automatically integrated behind the scenes,” she noted.
She added that the system eliminates duplicate or false identities by ensuring every taxpayer is tied to a verifiable registry.
Atoyebi concluded: “The misconception that Nigerians cannot own or operate a bank account without a tax ID overlooks the integrated design of the new TIN system. By linking TINs to existing foundational identifiers such as the NIN and RC Number, the system ensures automatic compliance without creating unnecessary barriers for citizens.”
Her statement was aimed at addressing public concerns and clarifying the implementation of Nigeria’s tax reforms.
