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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.
The federal government reacted to claims stating that the new tax rules will be imposed on telecommunications and petroleum products for Nigerians.
The FG released a statement to explain the process and stated that there is no intention to place taxes on telecom and petroleum products and services.
“Those recommendations do not amount to government policy and are not binding on Nigeria. Decisions on tax matters are taken through established constitutional and legislative processes and are guided by national priorities and prevailing economic realities.”
Nigerian politician Peter Obi speaks on the increase in the cost of living in Nigeria and shared how more Nigerians are now hungry and the hunger crisis is increasing in the country.
He stated, “Despite three years of Tinubu’s food emergency, Nigeria’s hunger ranking index declined to among the worst nations globally.”
“Yet the outcome of this has been the opposite. Nigeria’s hunger index has worsened significantly. Nigeria’s hunger index ranking was 103rd out of 123 countries surveyed in 2022/2023, and this figure has since worsened to 115th out of 123 countries surveyed in 2025/2026.”
The U.S. government has released a warning to social media influencers who will be coming to watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The government placed a rule on creating content to make money while using a tourist visa and stated that it could lead to deportation back to their country.
It can be noted that the World Cup will be hosted in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
“People who enter the United States under a visitor program and receive income from a U.S. source would be violating the conditions of their admission status.”
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