The Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), in collaboration with the Joint Revenue Board (JRB), has introduced a new Taxpayer Identification (Tax ID) system for all taxable individuals and businesses across the country as part of efforts to improve tax administration and compliance.
The announcement was made on Monday, May 18, through a notice published on the agency’s official X account, where the authorities explained that the initiative is backed by the provisions of the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, 2025.
According to the NRS, Sections 6, 7, and 8 of the law make it mandatory for every taxable person in Nigeria to obtain a Tax ID, which will now serve as a unified identification number for taxpayers nationwide.
The agency explained that the newly introduced system is designed to create a more efficient and transparent tax framework by harmonising taxpayer records across federal, state, and local tax authorities.
In its statement, the NRS said the Tax ID would function as a single identity for taxpayers, making interactions with tax agencies easier and more coordinated at all levels of government.
“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 agency stated.
Officials noted that the initiative is expected to eliminate duplication in taxpayer records while improving the overall management and accuracy of tax-related information.
The revenue agency further stated that the system would simplify several tax compliance procedures, including taxpayer registration, filing of returns, and payment processes.
According to the NRS, the new framework is also aimed at increasing accountability and reducing revenue leakages within the tax collection system by improving the monitoring and tracking of taxpayer data.
“The system will improve transparency by enabling better visibility and tracking of taxpayer records while reducing leakages and improving accountability in tax collection,” the statement added.
The agency also stressed that the initiative would help create a harmonised taxpayer database across all levels of government, a move expected to strengthen coordination between tax authorities and improve revenue generation nationwide.
The development comes amid ongoing reforms by the Federal Government aimed at widening the tax net, modernising tax administration, and boosting internally generated revenue without overburdening compliant taxpayers.
