As part of new compliance requirements under the Nigerian Tax Administration Act (NTAA) 2025, users of the Youth Economic Intervention and De-Radicalization Programme (YEIDEP) are being urged to link their YEIDEP bank accounts to their Tax Identification Number (Tax ID) or National Identity Number (NIN) before January 1, 2026, to avoid disruptions in banking services.
According to information circulating among applicants, including those who opened YEIDEP accounts with Fidelity Bank as part of the program, the regulatory change affects all bank accounts in Nigeria. Any account not linked to a Tax ID or NIN by the start of 2026 may face restrictions on withdrawals, transfers, and other transactions.
Why the Link Matters
The linking requirement is rooted in efforts to improve financial transparency and regulatory compliance in Nigeria’s banking system under the NTAA. By ensuring that all accounts are tied to a verified national identity or tax record, authorities aim to strengthen customer identification, reduce fraud, and support broader tax and economic planning goals.
For YEIDEP participants, many of whom are young entrepreneurs and small business owners, linking the bank account is vital to maintain uninterrupted access to their accounts and any future program benefits. Since YEIDEP distributes funds and financial support directly through partner banks, ensuring compliance also helps beneficiaries remain eligible for disbursements.
How to Link Your YEIDEP Bank Account
Fidelity Bank customers participating in YEIDEP have several options to submit or update their NIN/TIN information:
- Visit the NIN portal on the Fidelity Bank website.
- Dial *770*02# on your mobile phone and follow the prompts.
- Visit your nearest Fidelity Bank branch for in-person assistance.
Participants who opened YEIDEP accounts with other partner banks should reach out to their bank’s customer service team for guidance on how to update their Tax ID or NIN details ahead of the deadline.
For youth entrepreneurs and small business owners enrolled in YEIDEP, linking a bank account to valid identity records is more than a regulatory formality; it ensures ongoing access to funds, banking services, and potential grant disbursements under the program. It also aligns participants with national efforts to modernize financial systems and strengthen economic inclusion for small enterprises.
Beneficiaries are advised to complete this process early to avoid last-minute delays and ensure uninterrupted service from their financial institutions.
