The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has clarified that Nigerians will no longer be required to obtain a separate Tax Identification Number, as the National Identification Number (NIN) has officially been adopted as the tax ID for individuals.
The clarification comes amid heightened public interest and confusion surrounding new tax regulations, with many Nigerians questioning whether an additional identification process would be introduced for tax-related transactions.
In a statement released on Monday, the revenue agency explained that the move is part of ongoing reforms aimed at modernising Nigeria’s tax administration system.
According to the FIRS, every Nigerian’s NIN, issued by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), now automatically doubles as their Tax Identification Number.
The agency also addressed concerns from the business community, noting that registered companies will no longer need a separate tax ID. Instead, their Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) registration (RC) number will serve as their official tax identifier.
This explanation follows concerns raised by provisions in the new tax laws that require a Tax ID for certain activities, including the opening and operation of bank accounts. Many citizens had worried that this would result in an entirely new registration process.
FIRS stressed that the Tax ID requirement is not a new policy, explaining that the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, scheduled to take effect in January 2026, only strengthens measures already introduced under the Finance Act of 2019.
“The Tax ID brings together all Tax Identification Numbers previously issued by the FIRS and State Internal Revenue Services into one unified system,” the agency stated.
It added, “For individuals, the NIN automatically serves as the Tax ID, while registered companies will use their CAC RC number. There is no physical card involved, as the Tax ID is simply a unique number linked directly to an individual or organisation’s identity.”
The service noted that the updated system is designed to streamline identification processes, eliminate duplication across government records, and enhance accountability within the tax system.
FIRS further explained that the reform will help reduce tax evasion by ensuring that individuals and businesses earning taxable income are properly captured in the system.
Urging Nigerians to ignore misinformation circulating about the policy, the agency emphasised that the initiative is intended to improve transparency, efficiency, and fairness in tax administration, rather than place additional burdens on citizens.
It added that linking tax records with existing national databases will simplify compliance for taxpayers while also improving government revenue generation.
