Godsent Ogbebor
No Bank Account Freeze Over Tax ID, Says A’Ibom Revenue Boss
The Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Revenue Service, Okon Okon, has dismissed claims that Nigerians will lose access to their bank accounts from January 1, 2026, if they do not have a Tax Identification Number, describing the reports as misleading.
Speaking in Uyo on Tuesday while addressing private sector stakeholders on the implementation of the new tax regime, Okon said there is no deadline that requires bank customers to present a tax ID before operating their accounts.
He explained that the widespread rush for tax registration was driven by false information.
Okon clarified that funds kept in bank accounts are not subject to tax, stressing that taxation applies only to income, not savings.
He said Nigerians would continue to access their accounts normally, adding that obtaining a tax ID would be a gradual process throughout the year.
Read also: FG Gazettes New Tax Laws to Reshape Revenue System
He disclosed that the Joint Tax Board has developed an online platform that allows individuals to generate a tax ID within seconds using their National Identification Number and date of birth.
According to him, the platform will ease the registration process, and banks will also assist customers when necessary.
The revenue service boss said the new tax reforms were aimed at easing the burden on citizens, noting that multiple taxes had been reduced significantly across federal, state and local levels.
He added that the reforms were designed to close gaps in the tax system, promote fairness and support economic growth.
Okon also acknowledged the support of the Akwa Ibom State Government in driving public awareness on the reforms, urging Nigerians to remain calm and seek accurate information on the new tax policies.
