Fidelity Bank Plc has announced that it will begin restricting certain customer accounts that are not linked to either a Tax Identification Number or a National Identity Number from January 1, 2026.
The notification was sent to customers on Monday, December 15, 2025.
According to the bank, the decision is in line with the Nigerian Tax Administration Act 2025, which mandates that all bank accounts must be connected to a valid tax identification number.
Customers who do not possess a tax ID are required to link their accounts using their National Identity Number instead.
Fidelity Bank cautioned that accounts without either a tax ID or NIN may be limited in functionality once the policy takes effect, meaning affected customers could be unable to carry out transactions.
The bank urged customers to update their account information ahead of the deadline to avoid service interruptions.
It noted that properly linking the required identification details would ensure uninterrupted access to banking services beyond the effective date.
The move follows the Federal Government’s plan to tighten tax compliance across Nigeria’s banking sector.
From 2026, banks will be mandated to request tax identification numbers from individuals who earn income and maintain bank accounts.
Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, recently confirmed the policy, explaining that it applies to anyone earning income from business, trade, or other economic activities.
He added that such individuals are now legally required to register and obtain a tax ID under the new law.
Oyedele noted that although a similar provision existed under the Finance Act of 2020, enforcement was weak at the time.
According to him, the Nigerian Tax Administration Act now provides the legal authority needed to ensure full compliance by banks starting in 2026.
