Source: https://rivet.global/blog/nigeria-e-invoicing-mbs-rollout
Published: 2026-10-19 · Updated: 2026-10-19 · By Alexia M.

# Nigeria e-invoicing: the Merchant Buyer Solution rollout

Nigeria's e-invoicing system (Merchant Buyer Solution): the July 2026 deadline for large taxpayers, the medium taxpayer phase, access point providers and what to prepare.

## Key takeaways

- Nigeria's e-invoicing and electronic fiscal system, called the Merchant Buyer Solution (MBS), went live for large taxpayers in August 2025 after a pilot.
- Large taxpayers had until 31 July 2026 to onboard and integrate through approved access point providers or system integrators.
- Medium taxpayers, with turnover of about ₦1 billion to ₦5 billion, are the next phase; reported dates differ, so check the NRS notice.
- Invoices are validated by the tax authority in near real time.

"Nigeria e-invoicing compliance july 31" and "nigeria e invoicing deadline" lead Google's suggestions. The date applied to large taxpayers; medium ones are next.

## The phases

| Phase | Who | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Pilot | Selected large taxpayers | From November 2024 |
| Phase 1 | Large taxpayers | Live from August 2025; compliance deadline 31 July 2026 |
| Phase 2 | Medium taxpayers (about ₦1bn to ₦5bn turnover) | Rolling out; dates reported differ |
| Later | Smaller businesses | To be announced |

## How it works

Invoices are created in your system and sent to the MBS through an approved access point provider or integrator. The tax authority validates them and returns an identifier. Buyers see validated invoices.

## Preparing

1. Check your turnover band.
2. Ask your accounting or ERP provider about MBS integration.
3. Choose an access point provider if needed.
4. Clean customer data: names, TINs, addresses.
5. Watch the NRS's public notices.

## Why payments matter

Validated invoices make the tax authority's view of sales instant. Payments that match invoice numbers make reconciliation and VAT returns easier to defend.

## Paying into Nigeria: the local rail

| What | Detail |
|---|---|
| Local rail | NIBSS Instant Payment (NIP) |
| Run by | Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System |
| Settlement | Seconds, 24/7 |
| Published fee | The CBN caps the sender's charge at ₦10 up to ₦5,000, ₦26 up to ₦50,000 and ₦50 above that |

Source: [NIBSS: NIP](https://nibss-plc.com.ng/). Checked when this guide was last updated; the scheme's own page has the current figures.

## Where Rivet fits

Rivet serves registered companies in supported countries, including foreign companies owned by Nigerian founders where eligible, and records every receipt with payer and reference. Rivet does not advise Nigerian-registered companies to hold funds offshore. Rivet is not a bank; regulated partner institutions hold the funds. See [e-invoicing mandates 2026 to 2028](/blog/e-invoicing-mandates-2026-2028).

## Questions

### Is e-invoicing mandatory in Nigeria?

For large taxpayers, yes, with a compliance deadline of 31 July 2026. Medium taxpayers follow; smaller businesses later.

### What is the Merchant Buyer Solution?

The Nigeria Revenue Service's e-invoicing platform, where invoices are submitted and validated electronically.

### How do businesses connect?

Through approved access point providers or system integrators, or directly where allowed.

### When do medium taxpayers start?

Reports point to a mandatory go-live in mid-2026 with enforcement later. Check the NRS's public notices for your date.