The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has confirmed that the National Identification Number (NIN) issued by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) now functions as the tax identification number for all Nigerians.
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The clarification was made on Monday during a public sensitisation programme on the new tax regulations. FIRS also communicated the update in a statement shared on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle.
According to the agency, individuals are no longer required to apply for a separate tax identification number, as their NIN automatically serves that purpose. It added that registered companies will also not need a separate tax ID, explaining that their Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) registration number will now be used for tax identification.
FIRS said the explanation became necessary following concerns from members of the public over the new tax regulations, which require the presentation of a tax identification number for certain transactions, including the opening or operation of bank accounts.
The agency explained that the National Tax Administration Act (NTAA), scheduled to take effect from January 2026, makes provision for the use of tax identification numbers in key financial and administrative transactions.
However, FIRS stressed that the use of NIN and CAC numbers as tax identifiers is not a new policy, noting that the system has been in place since 2019 but is now being more firmly enforced.
It added that the harmonised system is designed to merge all existing tax identification numbers into a single identifier to simplify taxpayer records, curb multiple taxation, reduce tax evasion, and promote fairness in the tax system.
The agency further urged Nigerians to ignore rumours surrounding the policy, assuring that the new tax regulations are aimed at enhancing simplicity, transparency, and efficiency in tax administration across the country.
