The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has announced plans to amend the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act No. 23 of 2007, allowing foreigners residing in Nigeria to obtain a National Identification Number (NIN). This initiative aims to include foreign individuals with taxable income in Nigeria within the scope of registrable persons.
In addition, the FEC proposed the Economy Stabilisation Bill to enable the taxation of foreign residents. The proposed legislation seeks to ensure that all individuals, regardless of citizenship, who are deemed residents or subject to taxation in Nigeria are registered and assigned an NIN for tax administration purposes.
Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, explained that if the National Assembly passes these bills, all foreigners living and working in Nigeria will be required to register for an NIN, establishing their tax identity and enabling them to be taxed accordingly.
Onanuga further announced a third bill aimed at amending the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency Act No. 17 of 2007, allowing fees and charges to be paid in Naira. This amendment will facilitate the ease of doing business and reduce the dependency on dollar transactions, as agencies previously charged fees in U.S. dollars.
These legislative proposals reflect the government’s commitment to expanding its tax base and enhancing compliance among foreign workers in Nigeria while also emphasizing the use of the national currency in economic transactions.
