Breaking News
No More Tax Identification Number Separate, NIN is Your TIN- FIRS
The Federal Inland Revenue Service has confirmed that Nigerians will no longer need a separate Tax Identification Number, as the National Identification Number has now been adopted as the official tax ID for individuals.
The clarification follows growing public attention around new tax rules and questions about whether citizens would be required to obtain additional identification numbers for tax-related transactions.
In a statement issued on Monday, the tax agency explained that the change is part of a broader reform under Nigeria’s evolving tax administration framework.
According to the Service, every individual Nigerian’s NIN, issued by the National Identity Management Commission, now automatically functions as their Tax Identification Number.
FIRS also extended the clarification to businesses. It stated that registered companies will no longer require a separate tax ID, as their Corporate Affairs Commission registration number will now serve as their official identifier for tax purposes.
The explanation comes amid concerns triggered by provisions in the new tax laws that require a Tax ID for certain activities, including the opening and operation of bank accounts. Many Nigerians had feared this would introduce an entirely new registration process.
The Service explained that the requirement for a Tax ID is not new. It noted that the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, which will take effect in January 2026, merely reinforces an existing framework that has been in place since the Finance Act of 2019.
While addressing the issue, the agency said, “The Tax ID unifies all Tax Identification Numbers previously issued by the FIRS and State Internal Revenue Services into a single identifier.”
It further clarified, “For individuals, your NIN automatically serves as your Tax ID, while for registered companies, your CAC RC number is used. You do not need a physical card, as the Tax ID is a unique number linked directly to your identity.”
According to FIRS, the updated system is designed to simplify identification, reduce duplication across government databases, and improve accountability in the tax system.
The agency said the reform will also help curb tax evasion by ensuring that individuals and businesses with taxable income are properly captured.
The Service urged Nigerians to disregard misleading information circulating about the policy, stressing that the reform is aimed at improving transparency, efficiency, and fairness in tax administration, not increasing hardship.
FIRS added that integrating tax records with existing national databases will make compliance easier for taxpayers while strengthening government revenue collection.
Breaking News
Ogun State Government Announces Pension, Gratuity Backlog Clearance Between 2012 and 2020
The Ogun State Government has announced the clearance of pension and gratuity arrears owed to workers who retired between 2012 and 2020, reaffirming its commitment to the welfare of retirees.
The Economic Adviser and Commissioner for Finance, Dapo Okubadejo, disclosed this on Tuesday during a media parley organised by the Ogun State Ministry of Budget and Planning.
Okubadejo explained that the backlog was linked to the Defined Benefits Scheme, under which retirees receive monthly pension payments, stressing that the present administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun has not defaulted on pension obligations since assuming office.
“Since the inception of this administration, we have not missed a single month of pension payment. What we inherited were arrears tied to the Defined Benefits Scheme,” he said.
According to him, annual pension payments rose from ₦6.7 billion in 2019 to ₦20 billion in 2025, with projections showing a possible increase to ₦40 billion by 2029.
He disclosed that the state had so far paid ₦23.3 billion in gratuities covering retirees from 2012 to 2020, alongside ₦32.8 billion in outstanding gratuities for local government retirees inherited by the administration.
Okubadejo added that between 2019 and July 2, 2025, the state disbursed ₦93.26 billion in pensions under the Defined Benefits Scheme and ₦94.78 billion to local government pensioners.
He assured that the remaining backlog would be cleared as Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) continues to improve, noting that over 300 workers who retired in July 2025 are currently receiving six-month palliatives pending the completion of their pension documentation.
The commissioner also described the newly approved Additional Pension Benefits (APB) as the first of its kind in Nigeria, adding that amendments to the state’s pension law would be pursued to formally integrate the scheme.
On the state’s fiscal outlook, Okubadejo revealed that the 2026 budget increased from ₦1.054 trillion in 2025 to ₦1.668 trillion, while Ogun’s economy expanded from ₦3.5 trillion in 2019 to ₦18.96 trillion in 2026.
He added that IGR grew from ₦50 billion in 2019 to ₦240 billion in 2025, with projections of ₦512 billion this year.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Olaolu Olabimtan, said the 2026 budget reflects strong fiscal reforms, noting an 85 per cent budget execution rate in 2024 and sustained financial stability.
Other commissioners highlighted sectoral achievements, including massive road construction, increased healthcare funding, rail extension plans, education support programmes, and expanded housing projects across the state.
African Democratic Congress, ADC, chieftain, Peter Obi, has urged Nigerians to focus on the country’s future and vote for a change in leadership.
Obi spoke at a meeting with Hausa/Fulani chiefs in Abuja on Wednesday.
“We have to talk about the future of our country. All of you know what is happening to our country today. That’s why we are campaigning that you vote out this government,” he said.
He described the situation in Nigeria as dire, citing insecurity, hunger and hardship.
“today we have insecurity across Nigeria. We have hunger across Nigeria. We are suffering across Nigeria. The only thing that is working in Nigeria today is bad news. Every morning you wake up is bad news,” Obi stated.
The former Labour Party presidential candidate said a new administration would prioritize social services.
“We’re urging you to vote for a change and bring a new Nigeria, where our children will be in school. Our hospitals will work,” he added.
Obi also questioned government spending priorities, particularly in the health sector.
“today, if you’re sick in Nigeria you’re praying to Almighty God because we’re now in a country where our president spends 360 billion to buy and refit his plane and spends 36 million in capital vote for the Ministry of Health. There’s nothing working,” he said.
He appealed to Nigerians to use their votes to usher in what he described as a “new Nigeria” focused on improving citizens’ welfare and restoring key public services.
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