Nigeria Achieves Global Milestone with International Recognition of Tax-ID and Peppol Authority Approval

By DAYO ADESULU

Nigeria has recorded a major breakthrough in its digital trade journey with the global registration of its Tax Identification Number (Tax-ID) and the official approval of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) as the nation’s Peppol Authority.

The landmark development, made possible in collaboration with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), registers Nigeria’s Tax-ID under the ISO/IEC 6523 International Coding System, providing international recognition for Nigerian individuals and businesses in cross-border transactions.

Why It Matters

Peppol, a globally accepted framework for secure and standardised electronic document exchange, is widely used across Europe, Asia, and Australia. With FIRS now serving as Nigeria’s Peppol Authority, local businesses can seamlessly integrate into the system — ensuring faster payments, reduced administrative costs, and stronger global competitiveness.

“This milestone simplifies compliance for taxpayers, enables smoother international transactions, and reinforces confidence in Nigeria as a trade and investment hub,” FIRS said in a statement.

Tax-IDs to Become Globally Referenceable

Under the new framework, Tax-IDs generated using the National Identification Number (NIN) for individuals and the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) registration numbers for businesses will now be internationally referenceable.

The initiative is expected to:

• Eliminate duplication and administrative errors.
• Reduce compliance burdens across federal and state levels.
• Build transparency and credibility in Nigeria’s tax and trade systems.

Launch of E-Invoicing Platform

As part of the rollout, FIRS has also launched the Merchant Buyer Solution (MBS) e-invoicing platform, which will become mandatory for large taxpayers by November 1, 2025. Medium and small businesses will join the system in phases.

Companies have been advised to validate their Tax-IDs, update their accounting systems, and onboard early to avoid disruptions.

“The launch of MBS marks a significant step in simplifying tax administration, bridging compliance gaps, and aligning Nigeria with global trade standards,” FIRS added.

Driving Digital Trade Transformation

The integration of Nigeria’s Tax-ID into the international Peppol framework represents more than just an administrative reform. It positions Nigeria as a serious player in the digital economy, ensuring that its businesses can compete effectively on the global stage.

With seamless e-invoicing and internationally recognised Tax-IDs, Nigeria is now better placed to attract foreign investment, enhance trade facilitation, and strengthen economic resilience.