By Our Correspondent
The Federal Inland Revenue Service has announced a major shift in Nigeria tax administration, confirming that the
National Identification Number will now serve as the Tax Identification Number for individual Nigerians, while Corporate Affairs Commission registration numbers will be used as Tax Identification Numbers for businesses.
According to the agency, the policy will take full effect from January 2026 and removes the need for citizens and companies to obtain separate tax
identification numbers. Every Nigerian with a National Identification Number is automatically covered, and every registered business will rely on its existing Corporate Affairs Commission number for tax purposes.
The revenue agency explained that the reform is part of wider efforts to simplify tax compliance, reduce bureaucracy, and strengthen transparency across the national revenue system.
It emphasized that no new card or additional registration is required, as the process will be fully digital and integrated across government databases.
The clarification follows public concerns over reports suggesting new tax identification requirements for bank accounts and financial transactions.
The agency reassured Nigerians that the system is designed to ease compliance rather than create additional burdens, while also helping authorities close gaps in tax collection and reduce evasion.
With this move, Nigeria joins a growing number of countries adopting single identity systems to streamline taxation, improve efficiency, and ensure that all eligible individuals and businesses contribute fairly to national development.
