The Joint Tax Board (JTB) has formally debunked widespread claims suggesting that Nigerians without a Tax Identification Number (TIN) will be barred from accessing their bank accounts or conducting financial transactions starting January 1, 2026.
In a statement released on Sunday, September 14, 2025, and signed by the Head of Corporate Communications, Akpe E. Adoh, Esq, the JTB described the viral reports as misleading and urged Nigerians to disregard any information implying that lack of a TIN would automatically restrict their access to banking services in the country.
The Board categorically stated that Nigerians will retain full and uninterrupted access to their bank accounts and can continue carrying out financial transactions well beyond the said date. The clarification comes in response to growing public anxiety triggered by online speculation that banks would begin to restrict accounts without TINs from January next year.
“It has come to our attention that certain reports have been circulating, suggesting that Nigerians who do not possess a Tax Identification Number will be denied access to their bank accounts or prevented from executing financial transactions from January 1, 2026. We wish to reassure the general public that no such directive has been issued by the Joint Tax Board or any relevant authority,” the statement read in part.
The JTB reiterated its commitment to encouraging voluntary tax compliance and building a more inclusive and transparent tax system in line with the Federal Government’s ongoing fiscal reforms. While the Board continues to advocate for the importance of obtaining a TIN as part of Nigeria’s broader financial inclusion and tax base expansion strategy, it emphasized that the process remains advisory and not punitive.
In recent years, efforts have intensified to streamline the linkage between individual bank accounts and TINs, especially for businesses and individuals engaged in taxable economic activities. However, according to tax authorities, this is aimed at improving revenue generation and simplifying tax administration, not to deny citizens access to financial services.
The JTB called on the public to rely on official communication channels and avoid sharing unverified information capable of causing unnecessary panic or confusion. It also encouraged citizens who are yet to obtain their TINs to do so through authorized platforms or any tax office across the federation to stay aligned with best practices in civic financial responsibility.
As of the time of filing this report, banks have not issued any official statement indicating plans to restrict accounts without TINs. Meanwhile, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) continues to emphasize the importance of financial inclusion and has not announced any regulatory changes on this matter.
The JTB’s assurance is expected to calm nerves, particularly among small business owners, students, retirees, and other informal sector participants who may not yet possess a TIN but rely heavily on bank services for day to day transactions.