FIRS debunks reports on use of TIN to open, operate bank accounts

The Federal Inland Revenue Service has dismissed claims that Nigerians must obtain a separate Tax Identification Number before they can own or operate a bank account, insisting that the new framework integrates seamlessly with existing national registries such as the National Identification Number and Corporate Affairs Commission records.

The clarification comes amid widespread debate following media reports suggesting that from January 2026, every Nigerian would be required to present a TIN to open or maintain a bank account, a development that generated fears of fresh bureaucratic hurdles for citizens.

Reacting to the controversy, Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi, the Technical Assistant on Broadcast Media to the Executive Chairman of FIRS, Zacch Adedeji, explained in a post titled: Explainer: Comprehensive Framework of the Tax ID; on her official X handle @AderonkeW at the weekend, that the reports were misleading.

“In recent debates about Nigeria’s tax reforms, a widespread misconception has taken root: that citizens without a Tax Identification Number (TIN) cannot own or operate a bank account.

“This view, while 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.

“This article clarifies how the new framework works, drawing from the Federal Inland Revenue Service’s (FIRS) implementation of the National Taxpayer Directory under the Nigeria Tax Administration Act (2025)”, her statement read.

She explained that the TIN is a 13-digit identifier designed to uniquely capture details of taxable persons and entities across Nigeria.

She continued, “What is a Tax ID? The Tax Identification Number (TIN) is a 13-digit unique identifier for all taxable persons and entities in Nigeria. It encodes details such as issuance year, registry source (NIN for individuals, RC for corporates), state of registration, and a cryptographic fragment for security, ending with a check digit.

“The TIN is not a standalone requirement imposed on citizens. Instead, it’s a statutory tool that ensures every taxpayer, whether an individual, a registered business, or an association, can be uniquely verified within the national tax system.”

On the integration with national identity systems, Atoyebi stressed that citizens are already tax-compliant once they provide their NIN.

“Tax ID and the National Identity Management Commission, NIMC: For individuals, the TIN is automatically linked to their National Identification Number (NIN) issued by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).

“When an individual provides their NIN, such as 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.

“This means citizens do not need to manually apply for or present a tax ID before opening a bank account. The system handles the integration in real time”, her explanation added.

She added that businesses are also covered through their CAC registration numbers.

“Tax ID and the Corporate Affairs Commission, CAC: For businesses, the TIN is tied directly to the RC Number issued by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

“Likewise, for cooperatives, partnerships, professional bodies, and other legal entities, the TIN is connected to their respective recognised registries. This linkage ensures that corporate entities can be transparently identified for both tax & compliance purposes. Just as with individuals, banks and regulators do not require extra documentation beyond the foundational registry numbers to confirm tax status”, she continued.

Highlighting the wider benefits, she argued that the framework promotes inclusivity, financial access, and fraud prevention.