Self-certification Forms Not for Everybody, FG Explains

The Federal Government of Nigeria has explained that the self-certification forms announced on Thursday is not applicable to all Nigerians.

The self-certification forms which was announced on Thursday as compulsory for all Nigerians operating any financial accounts including bank and insurance accounts had generated nationwide condemnation on social media with many Nigerians across the country upbraiding the government over the move and condemning it as insensitive and needless duplication, TheConscience reports

This is in view of existing registrations such as the Bank Verification Number (BVN) and National identification Number (NIN).

In an apparent reaction to the public outcry, the Federal Government on Friday, September 18, tweeted on the issue apologizing for the errors and promising to provide further clarifications on the subject.

On its official handle, the government tweeted, “We apologize for the misleading tweets (now deleted) that went up yesterday, regarding the completion of self-certification forms by Reportable Persons. The message contained in the @firsNigeria Notice does not apply to everybody. FIRS will issue appropriate clarification shortly.”

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However, following the Federal Government’s tweet, the Federal Inland Revenue Service FIRS on a seeming contradictory note also tweeted, “We like to refer our esteemed taxpayers & general public to the FIRS Public Notice: ‘Completion of Self-certification forms By Reportable Persons.’ This exercise is required for due diligence in line with requirements of Income Tax (Common Reporting Standards) Regulations 2019.”

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“The ultimate objective of the Automatic Exchange of Information is to improve transparency in Nigeria’s tax system and boost the anti-corruption drive of the Government.

“Please note that this is a seamless process as the form is available for download on the FIRS website: http://firs.gov.ng. Financial institutions are expected to provide email addresses or electronic portals for customers to upload completed forms.”

The FIRS was however silent on the controversial self-certification forms.

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TheConscience recalls that the Federal government had earlier threatened to block access to defaulters’ accounts or impose a monetary penalty. The now deleted tweets on Thursday read, “This is to notify the general public that all account holders in Financial Institutions (Banks, Insurance Companies, etc.) are required to obtain, complete and submit Self – Certification Forms to their respective Financial Institutions.

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“Persons holding accounts in different financial institutions is required to complete & submit the form to each one of the institutions. The forms are required by the relevant financial institutions to carry out due diligence procedures in line with the Income Tax Regulations 2019”