The Nigerian government is proposing an amendment to the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act, requiring foreigners to register for the National Identity Number (NIN). This move aims to enhance taxation and identification processes for expatriates living and working in Nigeria, promoting the use of the national currency.
The Nigerian government is moving towards requiring foreigners to register for the National Identity Number (NIN) as part of an amendment to the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act of 2007. Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, announced this potential change during a briefing on September 25, 2024.
Currently, the NIMC law excludes foreigners from obtaining a NIN. However, if the amendment is approved by the National Assembly, all expatriates living and working in Nigeria will be mandated to register for a NIN. Onanuga emphasized the importance of this registration, stating that it would help in taxation and provide a unique identity for foreigners in the Nigerian tax system. “If you are working here and earning an income, you will be registered and given an NIN so that you can be taxed,” he explained.
In addition to the proposed changes for foreigners, Onanuga also discussed another legislative amendment aimed at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA). This bill seeks to allow fees to be collected in naira, rather than in dollars, promoting the use of Nigeria's national currency in business transactions.
The government under President Bola Tinubu is focused on reducing reliance on foreign currencies and enhancing the ease of doing business in Nigeria. If these bills are enacted, they could significantly impact both expatriates and local business operations in the country.
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