
News
Bank accounts don’t require separate tax ID, FIRS clarifies
The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has dismissed claims that Nigerians without a Tax Identification Number (TIN) cannot open or operate bank accounts, describing it as a widespread misconception.
According to Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi, the technical assistant on broadcast media to the FIRS executive chairman, Zacch Adedeji, explained that the country’s tax framework has been redesigned to integrate seamlessly with existing national registries.
She said this ensures that every individual or entity is automatically identifiable for tax purposes without imposing new hurdles.
Atoyebi explained: “The Tax Identification Number is a 13-digit unique code assigned to all taxable persons and entities in Nigeria. It encodes information such as issuance year, registry source (NIN for individuals, RC Number for corporates), state of registration, and a security fragment.
“Far from being a separate requirement, the TIN functions as a statutory tool that enables the FIRS to uniquely verify taxpayers across the country.”

She added that for individuals, the TIN is automatically linked to the National Identification Number (NIN) issued by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).
Atoyebi noted that when a customer provides a NIN to open a bank account or for Know Your Customer (KYC) checks, the system cross-checks the database and retrieves the TIN in real time.
She further stressed, “Similarly, for businesses, the TIN is tied to the RC Number issued by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). Partnerships, cooperatives, and professional associations also have their TINs linked to their respective recognised registries.
“This design means that neither individuals nor businesses need to present or apply separately for a tax ID before accessing financial services.”
She highlighted that the benefits of the new framework included, “Seamless Banking: Citizens can open accounts with their NIN or RC Number, while the TIN is integrated automatically.
“Fraud Prevention: Duplicate and false identities are reduced since each taxpayer is linked to a verified registry.
“Regulatory Confidence: Banks and regulators can rely on a single verified source for KYC and reporting.
“Inclusivity: Coverage extends beyond individuals and companies to associations and trustees.
“Global linkages: The system is designed to interact with international financial and compliance platforms.”
While clearing the misconception about the new framework, she said the notion that Nigerians cannot operate bank accounts without presenting a tax ID is unfounded.
She added, “By embedding TINs into existing national databases, the system guarantees automatic compliance.
“In practice, anyone presenting their NIN at a bank is already tax-compliant—the bank retrieves the TIN during onboarding. Rather than a barrier, the TIN framework is positioned as a gateway to financial inclusion, transparency, and global compatibility in Nigeria’s growing digital economy.”
News
Gunmen on rampage in Awka: Popular media personality- Isaac Nwosu shot dead
• Police Commissioner visits family, vows to get perpetrators
By Chuks Collins, Awka
Some yet to be identified three-man assassins suspected to be cultists have k!lled a very popular media personality in Awka Sunday afternoon.
The popular public announcer and broadcaster/radio guest artiste, comedian -Isaac Nwosu, aka ‘Aiza Nwosu’, was according to eye witnesses shot point while on the steering on the street of the Anambra capital city of Awka.
He was said to have been shot alongside two other victims at separate locations, point-blank, gangster style.
The State Commissioner of Police, Nnanna Oji Ama, today 31st August 2026 after a 2-hour closed-door strategic meeting with the Command’s strategic and operational officers as part of ongoing efforts to reassess information from the public especially within Awka to strengthen security operations and sustain the fight against violent crime, paid a condolence visit to the family of late Nwosu.

In his reaction shortly after the visit, Ama vowed to fish out the assailants.
Eyewitnesses who spoke to journalists said the unfortunate acts were apparently by the same assailants on Sunday, August 30, 2026.
Late Nwosu was shot along S.M. Okeke Street, Amaikwo area of Awka.
Whereas the other victims were shot dead along Capital City Road, Amaenyi area in Awka.
Eyewitnesses and residents believed the dastardly act. were cult related.
According to one of the witnesses, “The assailants, numbering about three and driving in a tinted vehicle, trailed the comedian from his home, double-crossed his vehicle and before attacking and shooting him dead.
“They left the victim in a pool of blood inside his car. As they drove some distance away, they also shot another victim d3ad by the roadside, dispossessed him of his belongings and fled.
“The assailants fired some shots into the air before leaving the scene in a commando-like manner, thereby creating tension in the area. After they left, the security operatives arrived at the scene and recovered the lifeless bodies of the victims.
“The security operatives later beefed up security around the areas following the incident.”
Some videos circulating online showed the lifeless bodies of the victims lying in pools of blood at different locations as onlookers gathered around the scenes.
The Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ikenga Tochukwu, confirmed the incident in a statement on Monday, August 31.
News
Kano APC Chairman shot dead by terrorists
Terrorists have shot dead the All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman of Rantan Ward in Bebeji Local Government Area of Kano State, Alhaji Garba Buba, during an attack on the community.
Buba was killed on Sunday night, August 30, 2026, after terrorists reportedly invaded Rantan community and opened fire on residents. Another resident identified as Sulaiman Zunduma was also killed during the attack.
A resident of the community, Hamza Isah Rantan, confirmed the incident in a Facebook post, saying the attack forced residents to flee their homes in search of safety.
According to Hamza, the terrorists shot Buba inside his house before he was taken to a hospital for treatment. He, however, died from the injuries sustained during the attack.
Hamza also said Zunduma was shot during the invasion and died instantly. He expressed condolences to the families of the victims while praying for the recovery of those who sustained injuries.

“On Sunday night kidnappers attacked our town, Rantan, where they shot Alhaji Garab Buha, the APC ward chairman in Rantan, who later died in a hospital. They also killed another resident, Sulaiman Zunduma,” Hamza said.
The development was also confirmed by the Kano State APC spokesperson, Alhaji Auwalu Soja, who said Buba was killed on Sunday. He added that the party would issue an official statement on the incident.
The killing occurred less than 24 hours after another attack in the area, where three residents of Garun-Mallam were reportedly killed by unidentified attackers. The successive attacks have heightened concerns over the security situation in communities around the area.
The latest killing has further raised concerns over the safety of residents in Kano communities, with calls growing for security agencies to strengthen operations and prevent further attacks.
As of the time of this report, the identities and motives of those responsible for the Rantan attack had not been officially established.
News
Ex-Bayelsa Gov, Timipre Sylva dumps APC, gives reasons
Former Bayelsa State Governor and ex-Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, has resigned from the All Progressives Congress, citing what he described as the party’s departure from its founding ideals.
Sylva, a founding member of the APC, announced his resignation in a letter dated August 31, 2026, addressed to the APC Chairman of Ward 4 in Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
He said he made the decision after consulting his family, associates, colleagues and sympathisers.
Sylva also criticised the administration of President Bola Tinubu, saying it had disappointed most Nigerians and expressing confidence that voters would seek a change in the 2027 general elections.
In the letter, which was electronically delivered, Sylva said he could no longer remain in a party whose leaders appeared to believe that “all is fair in politics.”

He wrote, “Having consulted widely with my family, associates, colleagues and sympathisers, I wish to formally tender my resignation from the All Progressives Congress (APC), with immediate effect.
“As a founding member of the APC, and one who joined other well-meaning Nigerians in building the party with sweat and money, it is deeply saddening to witness how the ideals we espoused have been so thoroughly and unrecognisably thwarted.
“Moreover, I cannot, in all good conscience, continue to belong to a party whose leaders believe that ‘all is fair in politics;’ and have consistently demonstrated that belief in practice.
“All cannot be fair in any endeavour of life. The demands of basic decency and morality forbid it. Unfortunately, this mentality appears to underpin virtually every action, and even inaction, of this administration.”
The former governor said the APC-led government had failed to meet the expectations of Nigerians, adding that he saw no realistic effort to change its direction.
“The present Government, formed under the banner of the APC we once loved, has disappointed the vast majority of Nigerians. And I can see neither a credible attempt nor any possibility of a revamp,” he said.
Sylva said he had therefore decided to leave the party rather than remain part of what he described as a “floundering ship.”
“I am therefore left with no other choice than to jettison a floundering ship whose fate appears to have been sealed by its irredeemable load of iniquities. I have no doubt that, in the coming election, Nigerians will vote for Nigeria and free the Country from this stranglehold on our beautiful country,” he stated.
Sylva also explained why he copied the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in his resignation letter.
He said he knew the decision could lead to increased scrutiny of him and his associates but was prepared to face the consequences.
“I am fully aware that this action of mine may invite a redoubled witch-hunt against me and my associates, but that is a risk I am willing to take,” he said.
Copies of the resignation letter were also sent to the National Chairman of the APC, the Executive Chairman of the EFCC and the APC Chairman in Bayelsa State.
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