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No need for separate TIN to operate bank accounts – FIRS

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No need for separate TIN to operate bank accounts – FIRS

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has refuted claims that Nigerians must obtain a separate Tax Identification Number before they can own or operate a bank account, insisting that the new framework integrates seamlessly with existing national registries such as the National Identification Number and Corporate Affairs Commission records.

This clarification comes amid widespread claims following media reports suggesting that from January 2026, every Nigerian would be required to present a TIN to open or maintain a bank account, a development that generated fears of fresh bureaucratic hurdles for citizens.

Reacting to the controversy, Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi, the Technical Assistant on Broadcast Media to the Executive Chairman of FIRS, Zacch Adedeji, elucidated in a post on her official X handle on Saturday that the reports were false.

“In recent debates about Nigeria’s tax reforms, a widespread misconception has taken root: that citizens without a Tax Identification Number (TIN) cannot own or operate a bank account.

“This view, while the reality is that Nigeria’s tax system has evolved to integrate seamlessly with existing national registries, ensuring that every eligible individual or entity is automatically identifiable for tax purposes.

“This article clarifies how the new framework works, drawing from the Federal Inland Revenue Service’s (FIRS) implementation of the National Taxpayer Directory under the Nigeria Tax Administration Act (2025),” parts of her explanation read.

She also explained that the TIN is a 13-digit identifier designed to uniquely capture details of taxable persons and entities across Nigeria.

She continued, “What is a Tax ID? The Tax Identification Number (TIN) is a 13-digit unique identifier for all taxable persons and entities in Nigeria. It encodes details such as issuance year, registry source (NIN for individuals, RC for corporates), state of registration, and a cryptographic fragment for security, ending with a check digit.

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“The TIN is not a standalone requirement imposed on citizens. Instead, it’s a statutory tool that ensures every taxpayer, whether an individual, a registered business, or an association, can be uniquely verified within the national tax system.”

Speaking on the integration with national identity systems, Atoyebi stressed that citizens are already tax-compliant once they provide their NIN.

“Tax ID and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC): For individuals, the TIN is automatically linked to their National Identification Number (NIN) issued by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).

“When an individual provides their NIN, such as during bank account opening or Know Your Customer (KYC) processes, the system cross-checks the NIN in the national database. As part of this verification, the TIN is automatically retrieved and attached to the person’s records.

“This means citizens do not need to manually apply for or present a tax ID before opening a bank account. The system handles the integration in real time,” her explanation added.
She also disclosed that businesses are also covered through their CAC registration numbers.

“Tax ID and the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC): For businesses, the TIN is tied directly to the RC Number issued by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

“Likewise, for cooperatives, partnerships, professional bodies, and other legal entities, the TIN is connected to their respective recognized registries. This linkage ensures that corporate entities can be transparently identified for both tax & compliance purposes. Just as with individuals, banks and regulators do not require extra documentation beyond the foundational registry numbers to confirm tax status,” she continued.

She emphasized the framework’s overall benefits, arguing that it fosters inclusion, financial access, and fraud prevention.

She added, “Exploring the Benefits of Tax ID:Seamless Banking Access: Individuals and businesses can open and operate bank accounts using their NIN or RC number, with the TIN automatically integrated behind the scenes. Fraud Reduction: The system eliminates duplicate or false identities by ensuring every taxpayer is tied to a verifiable registry.

“Regulatory Compliance: Banks and financial institutions can rely on a single, consent-driven source of truth for onboarding, reporting, and KYC compliance. Inclusivity: Beyond companies, the framework extends coverage to associations, professional bodies, and trustees. Global Compatibility: Nigeria’s tax system can securely interact with international systems for trade finance and compliance.”

According to her, the widespread notion that Nigerians would be barred from banking services without a separate TIN is misplaced.

“The misconception that Nigerians cannot own or operate a bank account without a tax ID overlooks the integrated design of the new TIN system. By linking TINs to existing foundational identifiers such as the NIN and RC Number, the system ensures automatic compliance without creating unnecessary barriers for citizens.

“In practice, this means a Nigerian walking into a bank with their NIN is already tax-compliant. The bank simply retrieves their TIN as part of its onboarding process. Far from being a hurdle, the TIN framework is a gateway to financial inclusion, regulatory transparency, and global interoperability in Nigeria’s evolving digital economy,” Atoyebi concluded.

No need for separate TIN to operate bank accounts – FIRS

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Benue School Harassment: Authorities Investigate Assault on Female Student at Seat of Wisdom Aliade

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Assault on Female Student at Seat of Wisdom Aliade

Benue School Harassment: Authorities Investigate Assault on Female Student at Seat of Wisdom Aliade

Authorities in Benue State have launched an investigation following a disturbing incident at Seat of Wisdom Secondary School, Aliade, where a female student was reportedly harassed and assaulted by her peers. The event has raised serious concerns over student safety and supervision in the state’s schools.

According to preliminary reports, the victim, a female student at the school, was subjected to inappropriate treatment by a group of classmates while on school premises. The incident came to light after other students alerted the school authorities, prompting the administration to notify local law enforcement.

The Benue State Police Command confirmed that officers have begun a formal investigation. Police spokespersons said statements are being taken from witnesses, and the identities of those involved are being verified. Officials have emphasized that the safety and well-being of all students remain a top priority.

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School management has pledged full cooperation with authorities, stating that disciplinary measures will be taken against any student found responsible, while also offering counselling services for both the victim and other students affected by the incident. Parents and community leaders have condemned the act, describing it as unacceptable and a violation of students’ rights.

Child protection experts have stressed that incidents like this highlight the urgent need for robust safety policies, awareness programs, and reporting mechanisms within schools. They recommend that schools implement regular workshops on respect, personal boundaries, and peer conflict resolution to prevent future occurrences.

The case has sparked broader discussions across Benue State about the responsibilities of school administrators, teachers, and guardians in protecting students from harassment and ensuring a safe learning environment.

Authorities have assured the public that the investigation will be thorough, and anyone found culpable will face legal consequences in accordance with Nigerian law.

Benue School Harassment: Authorities Investigate Assault on Female Student at Seat of Wisdom Aliade

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Violent Protest in Ogoja After Man Allegedly Kills Girlfriend in Cross River

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Cross River Police Spokesperson, ASP Sunday Eitokpah
Cross River Police Spokesperson, ASP Sunday Eitokpah

Violent Protest in Ogoja After Man Allegedly Kills Girlfriend in Cross River

Tension has gripped Ogoja following the alleged killing of a 26-year-old woman, Moshie Igu, by her boyfriend, sparking a violent protest in Cross River and renewed concerns over gender-based violence in Nigeria.

According to the Nigeria Police Force, the suspect, 35-year-old Malime Ejor, allegedly carried out the attack in the early hours of Saturday, March 28, 2026, at a farm in Nwang Village, Ekajuk community.

Police spokesperson Sunday Eitokpah disclosed that preliminary findings show the suspect reportedly lured the victim to a nearby stream, where he attacked her with a machete, leading to her death.

Operatives responded swiftly after the incident was reported, arresting the suspect and rescuing him from an attempted mob action by enraged youths at the scene. He is currently in custody, while arrangements are being made to deposit the victim’s remains at the General Hospital mortuary in Ogoja. The police further confirmed that the case will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Calabar for a thorough and discreet investigation.

The situation escalated on Monday when hundreds of women and youths from Nwang I & II and other parts of the Ekajuk clan staged a protest, demanding the release of the suspect. The demonstrators marched to the Area Command in Ogoja, but the protest soon turned violent, with some protesters attacking officers and vandalising property, including a vehicle and parts of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) facility.

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Security operatives were forced to deploy smoke canisters to disperse the crowd, while at least eight individuals were arrested in connection with the unrest. Authorities say the situation is now under control, and in a bid to ease tensions, those arrested during the protest were later released to a community leader.

The Nigeria Police Force reiterated its commitment to ensuring justice, stressing that the suspect remains in custody and will face due legal process. With the case set for transfer to SCID, authorities are expected to deepen investigations and prepare for prosecution.

The incident has sparked fresh conversations around femicide, domestic violence, and the increasing cases of relationship-related killings in Nigeria. Analysts warn that attempts by communities to interfere in criminal investigations—such as demanding the release of suspects—could undermine justice and embolden perpetrators.

Residents and stakeholders have been urged to remain calm and allow the law to take its course, as calls for justice for the victim continue to grow.

Violent Protest in Ogoja After Man Allegedly Kills Girlfriend in Cross River

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Gunmen Attack Wedding in Kaduna, Kill 13, Abduct Several Guests

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Commissioner of Police in Kaduna State is CP Muhammad Rabiu

Gunmen Attack Wedding in Kaduna, Kill 13, Abduct Several Guests

Suspected bandits have attacked a wedding ceremony in Kahir village, located in Kagarko Local Government Area, killing at least 13 people and abducting an unspecified number of guests.

The incident occurred late Sunday night in Kaduna State when heavily armed assailants reportedly stormed the venue and opened fire on attendees gathered for the celebration.

Eyewitness accounts indicate that the attackers arrived at about 11:47 p.m., shooting indiscriminately inside the wedding hall and causing widespread panic. A resident, Shehu Bala, said some guests sustained gunshot injuries during the assault.

According to reports, the gunmen operated for nearly an hour without resistance, leaving several casualties in their wake.

Injured victims were initially taken to Kagarko General Hospital, while those with critical injuries were later transferred to medical facilities in Kaduna for advanced treatment.

A community leader confirmed that 13 people lost their lives in the attack and have since been buried. He added that efforts are ongoing to ascertain the exact number of those abducted by the assailants.

The attackers were also said to have looted shops within the community, carting away food items, provisions, and drugs from a local chemist during the raid.

“The entire community was thrown into panic due to the heavy gunfire, forcing many residents to flee into nearby bushes,” the community leader said.

Police authorities in Kagarko have confirmed the incident but stated that investigations are still ongoing, particularly regarding the number of abducted victims. The spokesperson of the Kaduna State Police Command, DSP Hassan Mansur, also confirmed the attack, noting that a comprehensive report would be released upon conclusion of investigations.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Dr Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, alongside a serving senator, visited injured victims receiving treatment at the hospital in Kagarko.

Gunmen Attack Wedding in Kaduna, Kill 13, Abduct Several Guests

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