NIGERIA, ABUJA – The Federal Government has intensified public sensitisation on the compulsory use of the Tax Identification Number (TIN) for all bank account holders from 1 January 2026, warning citizens against paying middlemen for registration.
A public advisory circulating on official tax awareness channels urged Nigerians to complete the TIN process themselves through the Joint Tax Board (JTB) portal or mobile app. It emphasized ethical conduct, transparency and personal responsibility in compliance efforts.
The advisory stated clearly, “Don’t pay anyone for this,” stressing that the registration is free and accessible to every citizen. Officials noted that exploiting people for basic tax services violates public ethics and undermines trust in government institutions.
According to the JTB information guide, individuals can obtain a TIN by visiting the official portal, selecting the appropriate registration category and entering their NIN, phone number and email before completing verification. The board said the process “should take only a few minutes when details are accurate.”
The document also explained that applicants may upload additional documents when required and should expect to receive their TIN by email or SMS once validation is complete. It added that many Nigerians still prefer physical registration at tax offices because verification tends to move faster.
The JTB further advised smartphone users to download the official TIN app from Google Play Store or the Apple Store. The guide stated that individuals should “enter BVN, date of birth, first and last names, and an active email address” to complete the process.
Tax officers familiar with the rollout told reporters that the online and mobile systems were designed to reduce human interference. One officer explained that “the goal is to eliminate extortion and ensure every citizen has equal access to tax documentation.”
The advisory warned citizens not to delay registration, noting that banks will comply strictly with the January 2026 directive requiring TIN for all account operations. It stressed that delaying the process could result in unnecessary congestion at tax offices nationwide.
A Lagos-based financial compliance analyst said the new measure aligns with global standards. He stated that “linking tax records to financial systems increases accountability and helps government track economic activities more responsibly.”
Human-angle responses from residents reflected mixed emotions. Some expressed concern about digital literacy barriers, while others appreciated that the self-service process prevents exploitation. A civil servant in Calabar said she was relieved because “nobody can dupe me for what I can do myself.”
Officials emphasised that applicants will receive a TIN certificate within 24 to 72 hours, depending on verification speed. They encouraged Nigerians to double-check their details to avoid delays and ensure successful issuance of the certificate.
As the 2026 deadline approaches, the JTB reiterated its commitment to fair and transparent service delivery. It urged citizens to take responsibility, follow official guidelines and avoid crowds by completing their registration early.
The government maintains that universal TIN compliance will strengthen tax administration, improve public finance and enhance accountability across Nigeria’s banking and business sectors.