Choosing an NRS E-Invoicing Provider? Check This Before You Sign

Choosing one involves more than comparing prices or picking a familiar software company. The provider must support your business’s invoicing process and meet the relevant NRS requirements.

Before signing a contract, there are a few things to check.

Start With the Official NRS Directory

The NRS Merchant Buyer Solution (MBS) portal provides a directory of approved e-invoicing service providers. Use it to check whether a company is listed and what role it is authorised to perform.

You can access the directory through the official NRS e-invoicing portal⁠.

This is worth doing before making a payment or sharing access to your accounting systems. A company’s claims about its e-invoicing services should not replace verification through the official portal.

Understand the Difference Between an SI and an APP

Two types of service providers support the e-invoicing process: System Integrators (SIs) and Access Point Providers (APPs).

A System Integrator connects your business’s internal systems, such as accounting software or an ERP platform, to the NRS e-invoicing system. Its work may include configuring your software, mapping invoice information to the required format and helping ensure that your invoices contain the necessary data.

An Access Point Provider handles the secure transmission and exchange of e-invoice data between connected systems and the NRS platform.

Some providers may offer both services. However, do not assume that a company handles both simply because it advertises an e-invoicing solution. Confirm its role and whether the arrangement meets your business’s needs.

Questions to Ask Before Signing

Once you have identified a suitable provider, look beyond its advertised features. Ask questions that reveal what implementation will involve and what support you can expect.

Will it work with your existing software?

Find out whether the provider supports your current accounting system, ERP, point-of-sale setup or invoicing process. Ask whether integration requires new software, additional hardware or changes to how your team records transactions.

What is included in the price?

Request a breakdown of setup fees, subscription charges, training, maintenance and ongoing support. Also clarify whether additional charges apply when you add users, locations or systems.

Who handles errors and downtime?

Invoice data may be rejected if required information is missing or incorrectly formatted. Ask how the provider identifies and resolves these problems, how quickly support responds and what happens if the integration or transmission service becomes unavailable.

How will your business data be protected?

Your invoices can contain sensitive commercial and customer information. Ask how the provider secures data, manages access and handles incidents. Review the contract’s terms on data protection, confidentiality, service availability and termination before committing.

Get the answers in writing. A clear service agreement makes it easier to understand what the provider is responsible for and what your business must handle internally.

Check Your Business’s Readiness

Choosing a provider is only one part of preparing for e-invoicing. Your business should also review how it currently creates invoices, stores customer information and records transactions.

Incomplete customer details, inconsistent product descriptions and inaccurate tax calculations can create problems during implementation. Discuss these processes with your accounting or finance team before integration begins.

You should also confirm the implementation timeline that applies to your business. The NRS has introduced e-invoicing in phases, so do not rely on a general deadline or an informal announcement without checking the latest official guidance.

The NRS e-invoicing portal⁠ provides the official platform for business enablement, service-provider information and implementation resources.

Make the Decision With the Right Information

The right e-invoicing provider should fit your existing systems, explain its responsibilities clearly and provide support when problems arise. Verify its listing, confirm the services it offers and review the full cost before signing.

Preparing early can also give your team time to resolve invoicing and recordkeeping issues before they affect your operations.

LessaTax helps freelancers, remote workers and businesses organise their financial records and prepare for tax compliance. Visit lessatax.ng⁠ to learn more.