Banks Warn Customers: Link NIN or Tax ID to Accounts Before January 2026 to Avoid Restrictions

Commercial banks across Nigeria are urging customers to link their bank accounts to their National Identification Numbers (NINs) or Tax Identification Numbers (Tax IDs) ahead of the enforcement of new tax laws set to take effect in 2026.

In customer notices issued this week, the banks explained that the Nigerian Tax Administration Act (NTAA) 2025 mandates all bank accounts to be linked to a valid Tax ID or NIN by January 1, 2026. Accounts not updated by the deadline risk restrictions on transactions.

Fidelity Bank emphasized that the directive is a requirement under the NTAA 2025 and warned that accounts without valid identification would be restricted from January 1. The bank advised customers to update their information immediately through its online portal or by dialing *770*02#.

Ecobank also called on customers to link their NINs by November 13, 2025, to avoid account restrictions. The bank outlined simple steps for updating details through its Customer Information Portal or by visiting a branch.

The appeal from the banks follows the federal government’s gazetting of Nigeria’s new tax reform laws on September 9, 2025. The reforms include the Nigeria Tax Act (NTA) 2025, the NTAA 2025, the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act 2025, and the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Act 2025 — all scheduled for implementation on January 1, 2026.