By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
Nigerians Not Required To Get Separate TIN For Bank Accounts — FIRS
The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has assured Nigerians that they do not need to obtain a separate Tax Identification Number (TIN) to open or operate bank accounts.
The clarification comes after reports circulated claiming that from January 2026, bank customers would be compelled to present a TIN before accessing banking services. The claims sparked public concern about possible new hurdles in the financial system.
In response, Aderonke Atoyebi, Technical Assistant on Broadcast Media to the FIRS Chairman, described the reports as misleading.
Writing on her official X handle, she explained that Nigeria’s tax identification system is already linked with existing national databases such as the National Identification Number (NIN) for individuals and Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) records for companies.
According to her, this integration ensures that every eligible person or entity can automatically be identified for tax purposes without the need for additional paperwork.
She further explained that the TIN is a 13-digit number that captures key details of taxable individuals and organizations, including the year of issuance, source of registration, state of registration, and a cryptographic security code.
By linking the system with existing registries, the FIRS says it aims to simplify tax administration and reduce duplication, ensuring that banking services remain accessible without new requirements.
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