10/09/2025
THE NATION’S EYES NEWSPAPER
September 7, 2025 ⏰️ 🚨.
New Law: Nigerians Must Obtain Tax ID to Operate Bank Accounts, Businesses by 2026
BY NOEL CHIAGOROM
Beginning January 1, 2026, Nigerians will no longer be able to open or operate bank accounts, run businesses, or access financial services without a Taxpayer Identification Number (Tax ID or TIN).
This landmark reform, contained in the newly signed Nigeria Tax Administration Act, 2025, is being described as the most significant change in Nigeria’s financial and tax system in decades.
WHAT THE LAW SAYS
Signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in August, the Act makes it compulsory for:
Individuals: No bank account can be opened or operated without a Tax ID.
Businesses: From roadside traders to multinationals, all must register for a Tax ID.
Government Agencies (MDAs): Required to obtain Tax IDs before entering contracts.
Foreign Suppliers: Must register with the new Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) before doing business in Nigeria.
👉 Under Section 8(2) of the Act, banks, insurers, and stockbrokers will be barred from providing services to anyone without a valid Tax ID.
WHY THE REFORM MATTERS
Nigeria has long struggled with weak tax compliance:
Nigeria – 10% tax-to-GDP ratio
Ghana – 13%
Kenya – 16%
South Africa – 27%+
Global Average – 34%
Out of 200 million+ citizens, only 10 million are registered taxpayers, while more than 60 million Nigerians hold bank accounts.
This gap explains why revenue remains poor despite Nigeria’s economic size. Past reforms like the Bank Verification Number (BVN) and the National Identification Number (NIN) improved identity management. Now, the Tax ID mandate is seen as the next bold step to widen the tax net and cut reliance on oil.
The Act also abolishes the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), replacing it with the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) — a major institutional shake-up.
IMPLICATIONS FOR CITIZENS & BUSINESSES
Bank Customers: No deposits, withdrawals, or transfers without a Tax ID.
Small Businesses: Informal traders must register, creating new compliance obligations.
Corporate Nigeria: Stricter oversight will reduce tax loopholes......
