EKEDC Issues Directive for Corporate Customers to Comply with New Tax Regulations
The Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) has issued a formal directive requiring all corporate and maximum demand (MD) customers to submit valid tax identification details in accordance with the newly implemented Nigeria Tax Act 2025. This legislation, which officially took effect on January 1, 2026, mandates that service providers include at least one recognized customer identification number on every invoice issued to ensure compliance and transparency.
Identification Requirements and Submission Deadlines
According to a statement released on the company's official X account, electricity bills sent to corporate clients must now feature at least one of the following identification numbers: a Tax Identification Number (TIN), a Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) registration number, or a National Identification Number (NIN). The company has emphasized that any invoice issued without one of these details will be considered invalid under the law, potentially disrupting business operations.
Corporate customers have been instructed to provide their TIN, CAC number, or NIN, along with their full name, email address, and phone number, through a designated online portal. The submission deadline has been set for February 28, 2026. EKEDC has issued a stern warning that failure to comply with this requirement may prevent the generation of electricity bills and could lead to the suspension of services after the stated deadline.
The company explicitly stated: "Failure to comply may prevent us from generating your electricity bills and could result in the suspension of our services after the stated deadline." Additionally, customers who do not currently possess a TIN have been advised to register through the appropriate government portal and verify their tax status to avoid any complications.
Similar Directives from Other Distribution Companies
In a parallel development, the Ikeja Electric Distribution Company has also notified its corporate customers about the same compliance obligation. The utility company has asked affected clients to submit at least one approved identification document on or before February 20, 2026, to prevent potential disruptions in service.
Ikeja Electric has reinforced that invoices lacking a TIN, CAC registration number, or NIN will be deemed invalid under the new tax framework. The company has warned that non-compliance could hinder bill processing and may result in service suspension, mirroring the stance taken by EKEDC.
Broader Implications for Businesses and the Power Sector
This new directive primarily impacts companies and other corporate electricity users across Nigeria. Reports indicate that businesses failing to provide the required identification details may face significant operational challenges, including an inability to recharge prepaid meters or obtain valid postpaid bills, as invoices without the specified information would not meet legal standards.
The development reflects the Federal Government's broader effort to tighten tax compliance and improve transparency across key sectors, particularly within the power industry. For distribution companies, continuing to bill customers without the required identification details could expose them to regulatory risks, making enforcement of this rule increasingly critical.
EKEDC has expressed appreciation to customers for their cooperation in meeting this new statutory requirement, highlighting the importance of collective adherence to ensure smooth operations and regulatory alignment. The move is seen as a significant step towards enhancing accountability and financial integrity in Nigeria's utility sector.
