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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 news analyst, Mahmud Jega, has shared his opinion on the recent airstrike carried out by the United States in Nigeria, stating that Nigerians should not blame President Bola Tinubu for the incident.
Jega made this statement during a recent interview, where he said he does not believe many people will hold the Tinubu administration responsible, as Donald Trump had issued threats against Nigeria long before Tinubu’s administration.
“No, I don’t think many people will blame the Tinubu administration for what is happening now because President Donald Trump, when he first made the threats, it was clearly not in coordination with the Tinubu administration or the government of Nigeria,” Jega said.
It has been reported that the United States carried out an airstrike targeting ISIS in the northwest region of Nigeria. The order was reportedly given by former U.S. President Donald Trump.
“Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS terrorist elements in northwest Nigeria,” Trump said.
He added, “I have previously warned these terrorists that if they did not stop the slaughtering of Christians, there would be hell to pay, and tonight, there was.”
The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially declared the holiday dates for the festive season.
Thursday, December 25 will be observed as Christmas Day, December 26 as Boxing Day, and Thursday, January 1 as New Year’s Day.
The declaration was made by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani. He also added that Nigerians should celebrate the holidays in faith and pray for the nation.
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