The Federal Government has clarified details of the new Nigeria Tax Administration Act (NTAA), which makes Tax Identification Numbers (Tax ID) compulsory for certain financial and business transactions.
This update has sparked conversations nationwide, with many Nigerians worried about how it will affect daily life, banking, and small businesses.
Tax ID under the new law
According to the NTAA, anyone earning income through trade, business, or services must now obtain a Tax ID from the authorities. Banks and financial institutions are mandated to request it from such customers.
Officials stressed that the move is not entirely new. Since 2019, under the Finance Act, business accounts already required a Tax Identification Number (TIN). The NTAA only harmonises the system by merging multiple IDs. Going forward, an individual’s NIN will serve as their Tax ID, while registered companies will use their CAC RC number.
Even government agencies and state-owned enterprises are not exempt. Nigerians in the diaspora can also obtain a Tax ID using their NIN for banking and investment purposes.
Deadline and implications
The government has set January 1, 2026 as the deadline for compliance. Taxable persons without a Tax ID by then may lose access to bank accounts, insurance, pensions, and investments.
Authorities argue that the reform will simplify identification, close loopholes that enable tax evasion, and make the tax system more transparent. However, they emphasised that Nigerians who do not earn taxable income are not required to obtain a Tax ID.
Reactions as Nigerians debate the policy
Emmanuel Michael said “How do you define a ‘taxable person’?”
tunjideniran opined “Why do we need Tax ID again when we already have NIN. Social security number suffices for this in US and NI in the UK. Proliferations of ID seems like another new naira note by Emefiele. It is not necessary. The goal is to harmonise all the IDs. NIN, BVN and now TIN.”
IamKennyBabs said “Sir, how do you differentiate a taxable person from non-taxable person? How will the bank separate the accounts of old people, unemployed, housewives, students etc from others who earned income? Any unique identifier? This is Q3 ’25, with implementation expected in Q1 ’26, won’t.”
Why it matters
The NTAA marks another step in Nigeria’s push towards a modern tax system and improved financial transparency. While the government insists the measure will ease identification, the debate highlights lingering concerns about policy overlaps, implementation, and the burden on ordinary citizens.