Here are 3 IDs to keep your power on in 2026

From January 1, 2026, Nigeria’s new tax rules changed how electricity bills are issued. Power companies like Ikeja Electric can no longer generate valid invoices without proper customer identification.

With a February 20, 2026 compliance deadline for many customers in Lagos, missing the required ID could delay your bill or trigger service disruption. The good news? You only need to understand three key identifiers to stay fully compliant and keep your lights on.

According to BusinessDay, here are the 3 must have IDs to keep your power on in 2026

Tax Identification Number (TIN)
Your Tax Identification Number is now central to every electricity bill under the new law. It allows the government to track taxable transactions and ensure invoices meet legal standards properly.

Read also: Two Ikeja Electric workers arrested over cable theft

For individuals, your National Identification Number (NIN) automatically doubles as your TIN. No separate application is needed. For businesses, your CAC registration number serves directly as your TIN.

Once your TIN is added to your Ikeja Electric account, your bills become fully compliant, protecting you from invoice invalidation or possible disconnection after the deadline. You can confirm or link your TIN quickly through official platforms like the Joint Tax Board, and it’s free for individuals who already have a NIN.

National Identification Number (NIN)
The NIN is your 11-digit biometric ID issued by the National Identity Management Commission, and it now plays a big role in electricity bill payment. Under the new tax law, NIN is the default TIN for individuals.

Read also: Ikeja Electric demands tax details from customers

This means residential electricity customers only need to submit their NIN to meet Ikeja Electric’s requirements. Enrollment is still ongoing nationwide, with free ward-level registration drives helping people sign up or update their records.

Once linked to your electricity account, your NIN appears on your bills, keeping them valid and preventing compliance-related service issues.

CAC Registration Number (For Businesses)
For business, your Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) registration number is non-negotiable. Issued when a company or business name is registered, this number (often starting with RC or BN) acts as your official TIN for tax and utility purposes.

For business customers of Ikeja Electric, submitting your CAC number ensures your electricity bills remain valid and uninterrupted. This is especially important for shops, offices, vendors, and companies on postpaid billing, as the law focuses heavily on business-to-business transactions.