The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has announced that National Identification Numbers (NIN) and Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) registration numbers will double as tax identification numbers starting in 2026.
FIRS Executive Chairman Muhammad Nami made the announcement in Abuja on Monday. He said the move aims to simplify tax administration, eliminate multiple identification numbers, and improve compliance among individuals and businesses.
Under the new arrangement, every taxpayer will use their NIN or CAC number as their unique tax ID when filing returns, registering for tax purposes, or interacting with the tax authority. Nami explained that this step will also help cut down cases of multiple tax IDs for a single taxpayer, which often leads to confusion and fraud.
“We want a unified identification system for taxpayers. Using NIN and CAC numbers will make tax processes simpler and more transparent for everyone,” Nami stated. He added that the policy will begin in January 2026, giving taxpayers time to prepare and update their records.
The Chairman urged Nigerians and corporate entities to ensure their data with FIRS, NIMC, and CAC are accurate and up to date. He also said the FIRS will roll out awareness campaigns to educate taxpayers on how to link their NIN or CAC numbers to their tax profiles.
Nami noted that the new policy aligns with the Federal Government’s digital economy goals and efforts to widen the tax base. He said the system will provide better tracking of taxpayers and streamline revenue collection.
Tax experts welcomed the plan, saying it could reduce tax evasion and make filing returns easier. However, they urged the government to ensure smooth data integration before the rollout date.
