FIRS Clarifies: Nigerians Don’t Need Separate TIN to Operate Bank Accounts

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has dismissed reports claiming Nigerians would be required to obtain a separate Tax Identification Number (TIN) before they can open or operate bank accounts from January 2026.

In a statement issued by Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi, Technical Assistant to the FIRS Executive Chairman, the agency described the reports as a “widespread misconception,” stressing that Nigeria’s tax system has already been harmonized with national registries to simplify compliance.

“The reality is that Nigeria’s tax system has evolved to integrate seamlessly with existing national registries, ensuring that every eligible individual or entity is automatically identifiable for tax purposes,” Atoyebi explained.

She emphasized that the TIN is not a new hurdle for citizens but rather a statutory tool embedded within existing systems. For individuals, the TIN is automatically tied to their National Identification Number (NIN). “When an individual provides their NIN during bank account opening or Know Your Customer (KYC) processes, the system cross-checks the NIN in the national database. As part of this verification, the TIN is automatically retrieved and attached to the person’s records,” she said.

Similarly, businesses and corporate entities are covered through their Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) registration numbers. This, according to Atoyebi, means individuals and companies can operate bank accounts using their NIN or RC numbers without needing to request or process a separate TIN.

She added that the integrated framework eliminates duplicate or false identities while improving transparency and compliance. “By linking TINs to existing foundational identifiers such as the NIN and RC Number, the system ensures automatic compliance without creating unnecessary barriers for citizens. In practice, this means a Nigerian walking into a bank with their NIN is already tax-compliant. The bank simply retrieves their TIN as part of its onboarding process,” Atoyebi clarified.

The FIRS further stressed that the arrangement supports financial inclusion, enhances transparency, and aligns Nigeria’s tax system with global best practices without creating extra bureaucratic obstacles for citizens or businesses.