Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu is set to propose an amendment to the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act. The amendment will mandate all residents in Nigeria, including foreigners, to register for a National Identity Number (NIN). With this, the government wants to increase revenue through a more inclusive tax framework
Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, disclosed the details during a briefing with the State House correspondents at the Presidential Villa.
According to him, once the bill is passed by the National Assembly, all residents, including foreign nationals engaged in income-generating activities in Nigeria, will be required to register for an NIN. This registration will serve as their tax identity, ensuring they are integrated into Nigeria’s tax structure.
He added that the bill will provide a more streamlined process for tracking taxable activities of foreign residents, ensuring they contribute to Nigeria’s economic framework.
This legislative move aligns with a similar proposal passed by the Nigerian Senate, which broadens the eligibility for NIN registration to all residents, regardless of nationality or immigration status. The bill, sponsored by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, is part of a larger economic reform agenda to expand Nigeria’s tax base and promote universal identification.
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) also approved other economic stabilization bills, including amendments to the Acts governing the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the Nigerian Ports Authority. These changes will require that all fees and charges be paid in Naira, a move aimed at strengthening the national currency.
Once all legislative steps are completed, these bills will be sent to President Tinubu for approval. If signed into law, these measures will enhance Nigeria’s tax administration and economic stability by ensuring that all residents, including expatriates, are appropriately taxed.
