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FG makes Tax ID number compulsory to open bank accounts from 2026
From January 1, 2026, Nigerians will no longer be able to open or run bank accounts without a Tax Identification Number (Tax ID). The Federal Government made this announcement following the signing of the new Nigeria Tax Administration Act, 2025, which ties tax registration directly to access to financial services.
According to the law, every individual, business, and even government body at all levels must register with the tax authorities and obtain a Tax ID. The rule also extends to foreign companies that supply taxable goods or services in Nigeria, meaning they too must comply.
One of the key provisions of the Act is that banks, insurance firms, and stockbroking companies will only offer their services to customers who have a valid Tax ID. Without it, you won’t be able to open an account, apply for insurance, or trade in shares.
Tax authorities have also been given more powers under this law. They can issue Tax IDs to people or businesses who fail to register on time, and they can deny an application if the requirements are not met. In such cases, they are expected to notify applicants within five working days.
The Act also makes room for flexibility. If someone pauses their business, they can apply to have their Tax ID marked as dormant. For those shutting down permanently, deregistration is possible, and their Tax ID will be cancelled. This move is meant to tighten Nigeria’s tax system, broaden the tax net, and increase government revenue. It also creates a direct link between taxation and the financial sector.
Nigerian businessman Isaac Fayose has spoken about what he considers one of the country’s biggest problems, stating that many Nigerians are worried about government taxation, insecurity, and the increasing rate of kidnappings for ransom.
He lamented the situation and criticized the government, arguing that these issues have become deeply rooted and that there appears to be no lasting solution in sight.
According to him “In Nigeria we have two governments. One is collecting tax, the other one is collecting ransom. Both of them have one thing in common which is to make life difficult for their people.
The one that is collecting tax without doing anything will come and share you rice and semolina. The one that is collecting ransom is doing giveaway on social media.”
It was reported that bandits were seen in Kwara State and abducted six residents from Rukpete Village.
The incident was reported to have occurred on June 8 at about 11 p.m.
Sources revealed that seven people were initially taken, but an elderly man was later released, leaving six victims in captivity.
The rising cases of insecurity in the country remain quite alarming.
The state of the country is affecting many people, as they believe nowhere is safe, including schools where they keep their children.
It has been reported that some parents have started withdrawing their children from schools in Abuja.
It can be noted that rumours of bandits being sighted near a school triggered panic, causing parents to hurriedly remove their children for safety.
While the reports of bandits have not been confirmed, the school has also issued safety measures to ensure the protection of students within the premises.
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