ABUJA — The Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), in collaboration with the Joint Revenue Board (JRB), has announced the full implementation of a new unified Taxpayer Identification (Tax ID) system, mandating all taxable persons in the country to obtain the identification.
The directive, contained in a public notice issued on May 18, 2026, is in line with Sections 6, 7 and 8 of the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, 2025, which require every taxpayer in Nigeria to be registered under the new system.
According to the authorities, the Tax ID will serve as a single, harmonised identity for individuals and organisations, enabling seamless interaction with tax authorities at both federal and sub-national levels.
The NRS and JRB explained that the initiative is part of broader efforts to strengthen tax administration, improve transparency and enhance service delivery across the nation’s tax system.
The new system is designed to consolidate taxpayer records, eliminate duplication and ensure more efficient management of tax-related data. It will also replace the existing TIN Validation API currently in use by Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), financial institutions and other organisations.
Officials noted that the unified Tax ID is expected to simplify tax compliance by streamlining registration, filing and payment processes, while improving visibility and tracking of taxpayer records.
They added that the system would enhance revenue assurance by reducing leakages and boosting accountability, as well as harmonise taxpayer data across all tiers of government.
“All Ministries, Departments and Agencies, financial institutions and organisations currently utilising the TIN Validation API are hereby notified that the new Tax ID system has taken effect,” the notice stated.
To facilitate a smooth transition, organisations requiring integration or validation services have been directed to contact the appropriate departments within the JRB and NRS for access to the Tax ID API and related guidelines.
The authorities expressed confidence that the initiative would significantly reduce administrative bottlenecks, improve compliance and strengthen government revenue generation.
Further guidelines on the implementation and integration process are expected to be released in the coming days.
