FRC Launches National Audit and Assurance Firms Register, Bars Unregistered Firms from Practice

The Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRC) has launched the National Audit and Assurance Firms Register, marking a major regulatory milestone in Nigeria’s financial reporting and assurance ecosystem. The Register became fully operational with effect from April 1, 2026, and now serves as the only authoritative list of audit and assurance service providers legally permitted to operate in Nigeria.

This announcement follows earlier public notices issued pursuant to Sections 33, 51, 60, 61, and 77 of the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria Act No. 6, 2011 (as amended) and the Audit Regulations 2020, mandating the registration and classification of audit firms and other assurance service providing firms operating in Nigeria.

LEGAL STATUS OF THE REGISTER

With effect from 1 April 2026:

Only audit firms and assurance service providing firms listed on the National Audit and Assurance Firms Register are legally permitted to undertake, accept, or continue any audit or assurance engagement in Nigeria.

Any audit or assurance engagement conducted by a firm not listed on the Register is invalid, unlawful, and constitutes a violation of Nigerian law.

All firms that failed to register or update their profiles on or before 31 March 2026 do not appear on the Register and are therefore barred from practice until duly registered.

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO REPORTING ENTITIES

All Public Interest Entities (PIEs), government institutions, regulated entities, and private organisations are legally required to:

• Verify the registration status of any audit or assurance service providing firm before appointment and throughout the duration of the engagement; and
• Ensure that both the firm and the signing audit professional appear on the National Register.

Any reporting entity that engages an unregistered firm shall be liable to regulatory sanctions, including penalties against the entity and its responsible officers, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

Access to the National Register

Stakeholders may access the National Audit and Assurance Firms Register through the following dedicated links on the FRC website:

• National Register of Audit Firms: https://frcnigeria.gov.ng/national-register-audit-firms/
• National Register of Actuarial Firms: https://frcnigeria.gov.ng/national-register-of-actuarial-firms/
• National Register of Valuation Firms: https://frcnigeria.gov.ng/national-register-of-valuation-firms/
• National Register of Other Assurance Service Firms: https://frcnigeria.gov.ng/national-register-of-other-assurance-service-firms/

Audit and assurance service providers seeking registration or profile updates are required to use the FRC’s official online portals:

• Registration: https://registration.frcnigeria.gov.ng/register
• Profile Update/Login: https://registration.frcnigeria.gov.ng/login

Enquiries may be directed to the FRC helpline on 07074603188.

The Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria shall commence active monitoring, inspections, and enforcement to ensure full compliance.