Tax administration in Nigeria is getting a major overhaul as the federal government launches a single Taxpayer Identification number to replace the fragmented system that has long frustrated individuals and businesses.
The Nigeria Revenue Service announced the rollout of the unified Tax ID via its official X account, saying it will serve as the sole identifier for all tax dealings across federal, state and local levels in partnership with the Joint Revenue Board. The move is backed by Sections 6, 7 and 8 of the Nigeria Tax Administration Act of 2025.
For years, taxpayers have had to manage different numbers depending on the level of government they were dealing with. The practice led to duplicate paperwork, conflicting records and delays in processing. Under the new system, every taxpayer will now use one number for life for registration, filing returns and making payments.
Officials say the change is designed to simplify compliance and cut down on administrative friction. By consolidating records into a single database, the system will reduce duplication, limit errors and make it easier for taxpayers to track their history. The linkage across government levels is also expected to close loopholes that have enabled tax evasion and improve the accuracy of revenue data.
“The Tax ID will serve as a single, unified identity for all taxpayers, enabling seamless interaction with tax authorities at both federal and sub-national levels,” the agencies said in a joint notice.
The impact extends beyond individual taxpayers. Banks, ministries, departments, agencies and private companies that rely on the legacy TIN Validation API have been directed to migrate to the new Tax ID platform immediately. The government warned that continued use of the old system could result in service disruptions.
To support the transition, the Joint Revenue Board’s Standardisation and Modernisation Department will handle inquiries from individuals, small enterprises and business names through smd@jrb.gov.ng. Corporate entities and large organizations are advised to contact the Nigeria Revenue Service’s Tax Automation Department at tax.automation@nrs.gov.ng for integration with the new Tax ID API.
Both agencies described the initiative as part of a coordinated push to make Nigeria’s tax process more transparent and business-friendly. They say the unified system should give government a clearer view of revenue flows, improve planning and ultimately enhance the delivery of public services.