The Federal Government has officially rolled out the national Electronic Fiscal System (EFS) to modernise Nigeria’s tax administration, curb evasion, and improve transparency in revenue collection. According to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), the platform, which features an electronic invoicing solution known as the Merchant-Buyer Model, went live on August 1, 2025, after a successful pilot phase that began in November 2024. The first phase targets large companies with an annual turnover of N5bn and above, offering them a faster and more transparent way to comply with tax rules while giving the FIRS real-time visibility into transactions.
In a statement on Sunday, the Special Adviser on Media to the FIRS Chairman, Dare Adekanmbi, disclosed that about 1,000 companies representing 20 per cent of more than 5,000 eligible firms have already adopted the system. The original August 1 deadline for onboarding has now been extended to November 1, 2025, to accommodate firms that made genuine efforts but faced operational challenges. MTN Nigeria became the first taxpayer to transmit live e-invoices to the FIRS, while Huawei Nigeria and IHS Nigeria are expected to follow suit in the coming days.
The revenue agency explained that it is working with the National Information Technology Development Agency to incorporate service providers into the EFS ecosystem. These providers will function as system integrators and access point providers, helping taxpayers onboard, integrate, and transmit invoices smoothly. The FIRS praised large taxpayers, tax consultants, and service providers for their cooperation and urged remaining firms to meet the extended deadline to avoid penalties.
The e-invoicing rollout will happen in phases, with medium-sized and emerging businesses scheduled to join after large taxpayers. The initiative aligns with global best practices and supports the Federal Government’s broader goal of harmonising revenue reporting, enhancing revenue assurance, and cutting down tax evasion under the Nigeria Revenue Services Reform Act. The FIRS Implementation Team will continue holding stakeholder engagements, including webinars, workshops, and town halls, to ensure a smooth transition before November.
President Bola Tinubu has backed the initiative as part of a sweeping reform agenda aimed at tightening Nigeria’s tax net. Through the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, led by Taiwo Oyedele, the government is working to eliminate multiple taxation, improve coordination, and close loopholes. From January 2026, four new laws — including the Nigeria Tax Act and the Tax Administration Act — will take effect, introducing digital tax registration, stricter reporting rules, and mandatory disclosure of beneficial ownership to uncover hidden income and tackle tax avoidance schemes.