The Nigerian system of tax identification numbers was only introduced in 2012. (There are some companies operating before this date or who are currently not active who are not currently obliged to have one.)

Access to current accounts

If compulsory registration is introduced all companies will have to ensure they are registered with the Nigerian Tax Authority, whether they currently pay tax or not. It is possible they will not be able to access current bank account to make or receive payments.

Tax evasion driver

There are currently 440,000 companies registered in Nigeria but only 120,000 currently pay tax which is why this measure is being considered to prevent tax evasion.