FG Targets Foreign Nationals: NIN Registration And Taxation Plan Unveiled!

FG Targets Foreign Nationals: NIN Registration And Taxation Plan Unveiled!

President Bola Tinubu’s administration is moving to amend the National Identity Management Commission Act No. 23 of 2007, aiming to enable the issuance of National Identification Numbers (NIN) to foreigners residing in Nigeria.

During a Federal Executive Council meeting on Wednesday, the government also introduced the Economy Stabilisation Bill, which would impose taxes on foreign nationals living and working in the country.

These legislative proposals seek to broaden the category of registrable individuals to include foreign persons who earn income or have a taxable presence in Nigeria. The amendments would make it mandatory to use the NIN for transactions pertinent to tax administration and other related purposes.

The proposed amendment to Section 16 states: “Any individual, regardless of citizenship, who is considered a resident or subject to tax in Nigeria under any applicable legislation.”

If approved, this bill would result in expatriates and income-earning immigrants being subjected to taxation.

Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, disclosed these developments while addressing State House Correspondents at the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja on Wednesday.

Onanuga elaborated, “Should the National Assembly endorse this bill, it will mandate that everyone residing in Nigeria, including foreigners, be registered and issued a National Identification Number.

“Those working and earning income here will receive an NIN, which will facilitate their taxation under our tax system. Previously, the law that established the NIMC excluded foreigners from registration.”

Additionally, the presidential aide announced a third bill aimed at amending the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency Act No. 17 of 2007. This amendment intends to allow for the payment of fees and other charges in Nigerian naira, thereby enhancing the ease of doing business.

This amendment proposes to modify Section 15 by incorporating a new subsection (2), stating, “All fees, charges, levies, fines, and other payments due to the Agency under this Act may now be paid in Naira at the applicable official exchange rate.”

Onanuga explained that, “Previously, these agencies charged in dollars; now, they can collect payments in Naira. The government aims to prioritize our national currency and reduce the dollarization of our economy. The message is clear: ‘Pay in Naira; not everything needs to be in dollars.’”