The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has clarified that Nigerians are not required to obtain a separate Tax Identification Number (TIN) before opening or operating bank accounts.
This comes after widespread reports suggested that, from January 2026, citizens would need to present a TIN to access banking services—a claim that sparked public concern over possible new bureaucratic hurdles.
Reacting to the controversy, Aderonke Atoyebi, Technical Assistant on Broadcast Media to the FIRS Chairman, dismissed the reports as misleading.
In a statement posted on her official X handle, she explained that the TIN framework has been designed to integrate seamlessly with existing national registries, including the National Identification Number (NIN) and Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) records.
“In recent debates about Nigeria’s tax reforms, a widespread misconception has taken root: that citizens without a TIN cannot own or operate a bank account. 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,” she wrote.
The clarification is expected to calm fears among citizens and businesses, ensuring that banking access remains unhindered while tax reforms continue.
