FG Enforces Tax ID From 2026
By Akeem Oduyoye
The Federal Government says that from January 1, 2026, anyone who earns an income in Nigeria must have a Tax Identification Number before they can run a bank account.
This update was given by the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, in a video shared on his X page. He explained that a section of the new tax law taking effect in 2026 makes it compulsory for taxable people to register and get a tax ID.
He stressed that the rule does not cover students or dependents, because they are not classified as income earners.
According to him, the idea has been around since 2020, but the new law gives government full authority to enforce it. People who already have a TIN will not need a new one once the policy begins.
A section of the NTAA requires a taxable person to register and obtain a tax ID,” he said. He added that taxable persons are those who make money through work, business, trade, or any economic activity.
He also noted that banks will now be required to ask taxable customers for their tax ID, while people who do not earn income like students and dependents can continue using their accounts without one.
Oyedele warned that anyone who earns money but fails to get a tax ID may soon find it difficult to operate their bank account once the new rule starts.
His explanation comes as many Nigerians worry that accounts without tax IDs might face restrictions once the deadline arrives.