No separate TIN needed to open, operate bank accounts, FIRS tells Nigerians

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has clarified that Nigerians do not need to obtain a separate Tax Identification Number (TIN) to open or operate bank accounts, amid reports suggesting a new requirement from January 2026.

Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi, Technical Assistant on Broadcast Media to the FIRS Executive Chairman, Zacch Adedeji, explained in a statement on her official X account on Saturday that the new tax framework integrates with existing national registries, including the National Identification Number (NIN) for individuals and the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) for businesses.

“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,” Atoyebi said. “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 explained that the TIN is a 13-digit identifier capturing details of taxable persons and entities, including issuance year, registry source, state of registration, and a cryptographic fragment 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 can be uniquely verified within the national tax system,” Atoyebi said.

For individuals, the TIN is automatically linked to their 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 explained.

Noting the benefits of the integrated system, Atoyebi said it facilitates financial access, reduces fraud, and ensures regulatory compliance.
“Individuals and businesses can open and operate bank accounts using their NIN or RC number, with the TIN automatically integrated behind the scenes. 

The system eliminates duplicate or false identities, and banks and financial institutions can rely on a single, consent-driven source for onboarding, reporting, and KYC compliance,” she said.

Atoyebi stressed that the misconception that Nigerians would be barred from banking services without a separate TIN was misplaced.

“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,” she said.

The FIRS clarification seeks to reassure citizens and businesses that the TIN framework enhances financial inclusion, transparency, and compatibility with international financial systems, without imposing new bureaucratic hurdles.