28/05/2026
For Nigeria a New Tax ID System
The federal government, through the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) and the Joint Revenue Board (JRB), has introduced a new Taxpayer Identification (Tax ID) system for all taxable individuals and businesses in Nigeria.
This means that the "TIN" (Taxpayer Identification Number) system - the old verification system - that you or your business previously used is being replaced. Moving forward, this new Tax ID will be your single, official tax identity.
Every individual or business that pays tax in Nigeria will now have one unified Tax ID to handle all tax-related activities across federal, state, and local tax systems.
The new Tax ID system will also replace the current TIN Validation Application Programme Interface (API) presently used by Ministries, Departments, Agencies (MDAs), banks, and other institutions.
But why this new policy? What are the expected benefits?
It is expected that this new policy harmonising all tax issues will improve tax administration, streamline tax processes to make them easier and faster, reduce duplication of taxpayer records, increase transparency and accountability, plug revenue leakages and harmonise taxpayer information nationwide.
So, key benefits of the new policy to individuals and businesses include:
• One Identity for Tax Matters: You will use a single Tax ID for all tax transactions.
• Simpler Processes: Tax registration, filing, and payments will become easier and more organised.
• Better Transparency: Government agencies can properly track and manage taxpayer records.
• Improved Accountability: The system is expected to significantly reduce tax fraud and revenue leakages.
• Unified National Database: Taxpayer information will be aligned across all levels of government.
Not a New Tax on People and Businesses
It is important to note that this new policy DOES NOT introduce a new tax! It only introduces a new identification system to improve how existing taxes are managed in Nigeria as part of ongoing reforms to strengthen public finance, improve service delivery, and build a more efficient tax system for national development.
Notice for Individuals, Organisations and Institutions on the new Tax ID System:
Organisations, banks, or government agencies that validate taxpayers' status and require access to or integration with the new Tax ID platform are advised to contact the relevant departments for guidance:
• For Individuals, Small Enterprises, and Business Names: Contact the JRB at [email protected] to set up the new integration.
• For Large Corporate Entities: Contact the NRS at [email protected] to gain access to the new Tax ID API.