(DDM) – The Federal Inland Revenue Service has clarified that the National Identification Number issued by the National Identity Management Commission now automatically serves as the Tax Identification Number for individual Nigerians.
The clarification was made on Monday as part of a public awareness campaign on the newly enacted tax laws, which the FIRS shared via its official X platform.
The tax authority said the integration of the NIN and TIN systems is aimed at simplifying tax administration in Nigeria.
According to the FIRS, individuals are no longer required to apply separately for a Tax Identification Number.
The service explained that the policy is designed to reduce duplication and improve efficiency in taxpayer identification.
It noted that the move aligns with the Federal Government’s broader digital identity and tax reform agenda.
The FIRS said the harmonisation would make it easier to track tax compliance across different income categories.
Officials stated that linking NIN to tax records would strengthen transparency and accountability in revenue collection.
The agency emphasized that the measure applies strictly to individual taxpayers and not corporate entities.
For companies and registered businesses, existing TIN arrangements remain unchanged.
The FIRS explained that Nigeria has struggled for years with a fragmented taxpayer database.
It said this fragmentation contributed to widespread tax evasion and a narrow tax base.
By using the NIN as TIN, the agency believes more Nigerians will be captured in the tax net.
The FIRS stressed that the initiative is not intended to burden citizens.
Instead, it said the goal is to make tax processes simpler and more accessible.
The service added that individuals with NINs are already registered in a national database.
It said leveraging that database reduces administrative costs and paperwork.
According to the FIRS, the integration also supports data accuracy and reduces identity fraud.
The agency assured Nigerians that personal data would be handled in line with existing data protection laws.
It noted that collaboration between FIRS and NIMC has been ongoing for several years.
This collaboration, the agency said, is part of efforts to harmonise government databases.
The announcement comes amid the implementation of new tax reform laws recently signed by the Federal Government.
Authorities say the reforms are aimed at boosting non-oil revenue and strengthening fiscal sustainability.
Nigeria has faced declining oil revenues due to global market fluctuations and production challenges.
As a result, successive administrations have sought to expand non-oil revenue sources.
Tax reform has remained a central pillar of these efforts.
However, public trust in tax administration has often been weak.
Many Nigerians have complained about complexity, inefficiency, and lack of transparency in tax processes.
The FIRS said the NIN-TIN integration is meant to address some of these concerns.
It said a single identification number would reduce confusion among taxpayers.
The agency also said it would improve voluntary compliance.
According to the FIRS, individuals can now use their NIN for all tax-related transactions.
This includes filing returns, paying taxes, and accessing tax services.
The service urged Nigerians who have not enrolled for NIN to do so promptly.
It said NIN enrolment is now critical for participation in the formal economy.
The FIRS added that further public enlightenment campaigns would be carried out nationwide.
It said the aim is to ensure citizens fully understand the implications of the new policy.
Tax experts have described the integration as a significant step toward modernising Nigeria’s tax system.
They noted that many countries use a single identification number for multiple government services.
Analysts said the success of the policy would depend on effective implementation.
They also stressed the importance of public trust and data security.
Civil society groups have called on the government to ensure the policy does not exclude vulnerable populations.
They warned that millions of Nigerians still lack access to NIN registration centres.
The FIRS acknowledged these concerns and said efforts are ongoing to expand NIN enrolment.
It said collaboration with NIMC would continue to improve coverage, especially in rural areas.
As the policy takes effect, Nigerians are expected to gradually adjust to the new system.
The integration of NIN and TIN marks another milestone in Nigeria’s ongoing tax reform journey.
