By Huldah Shado
The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), has clarified that the National Identification Number (NIN), now automatically serves as the Tax Identification Number (TIN), for individual Nigerians.
The clarification was issued on Monday via a public awareness campaign on the Service’s official X handle, addressing concerns over new tax laws requiring a Tax ID for certain transactions, including banking activities.
FIRS also explained that registered businesses no longer need a separate TIN, as their Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), registration number will serve as their tax identifier.
According to the Service, the provision is contained in the Nigeria Tax Administration Act (NTAA), scheduled to take effect from January 2026, though the requirement for a Tax ID has existed since the Finance Act of 2019.
“The Tax ID unifies all tax identification numbers previously issued by FIRS and State Internal Revenue Services into a single identifier,” the agency said, adding that no physical card is required.
FIRS said the reform aims to simplify identification, reduce duplication, curb tax evasion and improve transparency in tax administration, urging Nigerians to ignore misinformation surrounding the policy.
