The Joint Tax Board (JTB) has debunked reports suggesting that Nigerians without a Tax Identification Number (Tax ID) would be denied access to their bank accounts or barred from financial transactions from January 1, 2026.

In a statement issued on Sunday, September 14, the JTB assured citizens that banking and financial activities would remain unaffected beyond the date in question.

“Nigerians are hereby assured that they will continue to have access to their bank account and also continue to carry out financial transactions even beyond January 1, 2026,” the statement read.

The JTB explained that under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s tax reform agenda, government is working to simplify tax compliance, eliminate multiple taxation, grant exemptions to vulnerable groups and small businesses, and lower taxes for most Nigerians.

As part of this process, the JTB, in collaboration with the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and state revenue agencies, is developing a harmonised National Tax Identification system. This system will integrate existing National Identification Numbers (NIN) for individuals and Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) registration numbers for businesses as unique tax identifiers.

The board said the new arrangement will enable the automatic generation of Tax IDs for individuals and businesses, making compliance easier without disrupting banking services.

“We therefore urge the public to remain calm and ignore any claims to the contrary,” the statement added, reiterating that no Nigerian will be denied access to financial services on account of not having a Tax ID.

The JTB reaffirmed its commitment to people-centred tax policies designed to promote economic growth, fairness, and ease of doing business, while maintaining Nigeria as a tax-friendly environment.