FIRS Unveils 16 Tech Firms to Support Nigeria’s New E-Invoicing

In a major step toward streamlining tax compliance and digitalizing financial transactions, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has officially introduced 16 technology firms as service providers for its new e-invoicing platform. These companies are expected to help facilitate the onboarding of taxpayers, support system integration, and manage the transmission of electronic invoices across the country.

The announcement was made during a two-day workshop held in Lagos, where stakeholders gathered to learn about the National E-Invoicing Solution and the next phase of Nigeria’s digital tax transformation.

This new initiative, known as the Merchant-Buyer Model, is designed to replace the traditional use of paper or basic digital documents like invoices, credit notes, and debit notes. Instead of sending these manually, the system allows for a seamless, real-time transmission of all transaction data between buyers and suppliers. This includes essential details such as the identities of both parties, descriptions of items sold, prices, quantities, taxes applied, and the total amount due.

According to FIRS officials, the e-invoicing platform is built to ensure every transaction is automatically validated and stored, helping reduce tax evasion and promote better transparency in business dealings.

Speaking at the event, Mike Adoga, the Acting Director of Tax Automation at FIRS, emphasized that businesses now have options when it comes to choosing a service provider. If a company working with a specific provider experiences issues or notices non-compliance, they are free to switch to another certified provider. Adoga assured participants that the FIRS would support businesses in making that change smoothly.

“You are not locked into using one provider. If any of them is not compliant or you encounter any challenges, you are free to switch. Just inform FIRS so we can monitor the process and ensure standards are upheld,” he said.

He also revealed that the list of service providers is not static. More companies will be added over time, depending on their ability to meet the required conditions and standards. However, if any of the current providers fail to meet expectations or breach the terms of service, they may be removed from the list.

The 16 technology firms named as the first wave of certified providers include:

• Pasca Technology Limited

• Hoptool Technology Limited

• Etranzact International Plc

• Telepac Africa Nigeria Limited

• Cryptware System Limited

• Namiri Technology Nigeria Limited

• Ace of Spades Consult Nigeria Limited

• Jureb Business Solutions Limited

• Qucoon Limited

• Courteville Business Solutions

• Softrust Technologies Limited

• Westmetro Limited

• Arca Payments Company Limited

• Elara Technical Services Ltd

• Interswitch Limited

• Remita Payment Limited

These companies have been certified by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), which plays a key role in ensuring technological compliance and security in Nigeria’s digital space.

During his opening address, Tayo Koleosho, Chief of Staff to the FIRS Executive Chairman, highlighted the progress made so far with the platform since it went live on August 1, 2025. He revealed that over 1,000 companies have already onboarded, but this represents just 20 percent of the total target. The goal is to have at least 5,000 companies fully integrated into the e-invoicing system.

Koleosho, who was represented at the event by Emmanuel Eze, Director of Change Management at FIRS, acknowledged the efforts of early adopters and praised three companies—MTN, IHS, and Huawei—for being the first to fully go live on the platform. Their early compliance demonstrates that it is possible for businesses of various sizes and complexities to make the transition successfully.

Despite these early successes, FIRS has decided to grant more time for businesses to comply. Originally, the onboarding and invoice transmission deadline was set for the end of August 2025. However, in what the agency describes as a gesture to encourage voluntary compliance, the deadline has now been extended by three months, moving it to November 1, 2025.

“This extension is not an excuse to delay,” Koleosho emphasized. “It is an opportunity to act now, avoid penalties later, and take advantage of the support that has been put in place for you.”

The introduction of e-invoicing is expected to make a significant impact on Nigeria’s tax system. It aims to reduce underreporting of revenue, curb fraudulent practices, and ensure that the government collects the appropriate amount of taxes from corporate entities. For businesses, it offers a more streamlined process for managing invoices and maintaining compliance with less manual work and fewer errors.

With digital records validated in real-time and stored securely, companies will also have a clearer and more verifiable record of their financial transactions. This shift is particularly important for sectors such as manufacturing, telecoms, oil and gas, and logistics—industries where transaction volumes are high and where even small errors or inconsistencies can lead to tax issues.

FIRS has promised that the system is designed with flexibility and user support in mind. The certified service providers will act as key intermediaries to help businesses integrate their systems smoothly and begin transmitting compliant invoices through the platform.

In closing, Adoga urged businesses to make the most of the current momentum and take onboarding seriously. “We are entering a new era of tax administration in Nigeria. This is not just about meeting government requirements. It’s about building a modern, efficient, and trustworthy system for all,” he said.

With the November deadline looming, it’s now up to Nigerian businesses to take the necessary steps to align with the new e-invoicing model. As more companies join the platform, the hope is that Nigeria’s tax ecosystem will become more transparent, more inclusive, and more aligned with global best practices.