As Nigeria enters 2026, new banking regulations are beginning to take full effect, and YEIDEP beneficiaries are among those directly impacted. Under the Nigerian Tax Administration Act 2025, all bank accounts operating in the country are now required to be linked to either a Tax Identification Number or a National Identity Number. For most youth applicants and small business beneficiaries without a Tax ID, compliance will depend on linking their accounts using their NIN.
This requirement affects YEIDEP applicants who opened accounts, particularly with Fidelity Bank, as part of their participation in the programme. Fidelity Bank has formally notified customers that the regulation became enforceable from January 1, 2026, warning that accounts not properly linked may face restrictions.
For beneficiaries, the implications are significant. Any YEIDEP-linked bank account that is not connected to a valid Tax ID or NIN risks being restricted from performing key transactions. This could limit withdrawals, transfers, and access to funds, potentially delaying stipends, grants, or other programme-related disbursements tied to the account.
To prevent disruption, customers are being advised to update their account information as early as possible. Fidelity Bank has provided multiple channels for submitting or updating NIN details, including through its official website, via the 77002# USSD service, or by visiting any Fidelity Bank branch nationwide.
Customers who require further clarification or encounter challenges during the process can contact Fidelity Trueserve for assistance through the bank’s official customer support channels. This support is intended to help account holders complete the linkage correctly and avoid unnecessary delays.
The NIN linkage requirement forms part of broader government efforts to improve financial transparency, strengthen tax administration, and align banking records with national identity systems. For youth empowerment programmes like YEIDEP, early compliance is crucial to ensure beneficiaries can access funds smoothly and focus on business growth and economic participation.
YEIDEP applicants who opened accounts with partner banks other than Fidelity are advised to reach out to their respective banks’ customer service units for guidance on how to complete the NIN or Tax ID linkage process in line with the new regulation.
As enforcement tightens in 2026, beneficiaries are encouraged to act promptly to safeguard uninterrupted access to their bank accounts and fully benefit from YEIDEP and other government-backed youth empowerment initiatives.
