The Federal Executive Council (FEC) is set to amend the National Identity Management Commission Act No. 23, 2007, enabling the issuance of the National Identification Number (NIN) to foreigners residing in Nigeria.
On Wednesday, the FEC also introduced the Economy Stabilisation Bill, aimed at instituting tax obligations for foreigners living and working within Nigeria. These legislative proposals are designed to broaden the eligibility for registration to include foreign nationals with taxable income sources in Nigeria and to mandate the use of the NIN for tax-related transactions.
A new paragraph proposed for Section 16 states, “Any person, whether or not a citizen of Nigeria, who is deemed to be resident or otherwise subject to tax in Nigeria under any legislation in force in Nigeria.”
Should these bills pass, expatriates and income-generating immigrants could soon be subject to taxation. The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy disclosed these developments during a press briefing at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja, highlighting that the National Assembly’s approval would ensure all individuals in Nigeria, including non-citizens, are registered and assigned an NIN.
“This will facilitate tax registration for anyone working and earning income in Nigeria,” he explained. “The NIN will serve as a tax identity, integrating foreigners into the nation’s tax framework.” He noted that the original legislation instituting the National Identity Management Commission excluded foreigners from registration.
Additionally, the government is proposing amendments to the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency Act No.17, 2007, to allow fees and other charges to be paid in Nigerian Naira, enhancing the ease of doing business. The proposed changes include an amendment to Section 15 that stipulates, “All fees, charges, levies, fines and other monies accruing and payable to the Agency under this Act may be paid in Naira at the applicable official exchange rate.”
This shift aims to reduce dependence on foreign currencies, with the government advocating for transactions to be conducted in Naira.
