How to write an invoice in Nigeria: step by step
An invoice is your written request for payment. A clear one gets you paid faster and protects you if a customer disputes the price later. Here is exactly what to put on it, in the order customers expect to see it.
What an invoice is, and when to send one
An invoice tells a customer what they bought, how much they owe, and how to pay you. You send it before or at the time payment is due. It is not proof that you were paid. That is a receipt (see our guide on invoice vs receipt vs quotation).
Send an invoice any time you sell on credit, take a deposit, finish a job, or just want a clean record. Even if the customer pays on the spot by transfer, an invoice makes you look organised and gives both of you something to refer to.
The 10 things every invoice should have
- The word "Invoice" at the top, so nobody mistakes it for a receipt or a price quote.
- Your business name, address, phone number and email. Add your logo if you have one.
- Your CAC (RC) number, if your business is registered, and your TIN if you have one.
- The customer's name and contact details (their business name if they are a company).
- An invoice number, in a simple running order, like INV-0001, INV-0002. Never reuse a number.
- The invoice date and, if it is not due immediately, the due date.
- A line for each item or service: description, quantity, unit price and line total.
- The totals: subtotal, any discount, delivery or VAT if it applies, and the amount due.
- How to pay: bank name, account name and account number. Make sure the account name matches your business name.
- Terms: when payment is due, what a deposit covers, and your return or refund rule in one short line.
A worked example
Invoice INV-0042
Sample Couture Ltd · 14B Example Way, Lekki, Lagos · RC 1234567
Billed to: Mrs. Funmi Bakare · Date: 12 Nov 2026 · Due: 26 Nov 2026
| Item | Qty | Price | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bespoke lace gown | 1 | ₦385,000 | ₦385,000 |
| Aso-ebi outfit | 3 | ₦25,000 | ₦75,000 |
| Delivery (Lagos) | 1 | ₦5,000 | ₦5,000 |
| Total | ₦465,000 | ||
| Deposit paid | ₦150,000 | ||
| Balance due | ₦315,000 | ||
Pay to: GTBank · Sample Couture Ltd · 0123456789
This is sample data only. The point is the layout: the balance due is easy to find, and the payment details sit right under it.
Mistakes that make customers pay late
- No due date. "Pay soon" means nothing. Write a date.
- A vague description. "Services: ₦200,000" invites questions. List what was done.
- Hiding the account details in a long message. Put them on the invoice itself.
- Sending it as a plain chat message. A typed list of prices in WhatsApp looks informal and is easy to lose. A proper document, or a private link, looks trustworthy.
- Forgetting to follow up. Most late payment is forgetfulness, not refusal. See our payment reminder messages.
Do you need to charge VAT?
It depends on your business. If VAT applies to you, show it as its own line so the customer can see the amount. If you are not sure, ask an accountant before you issue invoices. We explain the basics in VAT on invoices in Nigeria.
Making invoices quickly
You can write an invoice in Word, Excel or a notes app, but that gets slow and inconsistent once you have more than a few customers. An invoicing app fills in your details automatically, remembers your customers and prices, and keeps a record. Aurum is built for this, with your logo and bank details already on every document.
Questions people ask
Is a handwritten invoice valid in Nigeria?
A handwritten invoice can serve as a record, but a typed or printed one with all the details above is easier to read and looks more professional. Many companies also require a clear, typed invoice before they will pay.
Do I need a CAC number to issue an invoice?
No. You can invoice without being registered, but if you have a CAC (RC) number, putting it on the invoice builds trust, especially with companies.
What is the difference between an invoice and a receipt?
An invoice asks for payment. A receipt confirms that payment was made. You usually send an invoice first, then a receipt once the customer has paid.
How long should I keep invoices?
Keep copies for several years. Ask your accountant how long applies to your business, as record-keeping rules can differ.
Want this done for you in under a minute?
Aurum Invoice Studio makes invoices, receipts and quotations with your logo, signature and bank details, then delivers them as a private link, sealed with your brand, that gives your client an experience. Pay once, no monthly fees.
See plans and pricing Try the free demo