The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has clarified public concerns surrounding its recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with France’s Direction Générale des Finances Publiques (DGFiP), stressing that the agreement does not undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty or grant foreign access to the country’s tax data.
In a press release issued between December 12 and 13, 2025, FIRS described the MoU as a standard international framework focused solely on technical assistance, capacity building, and knowledge exchange in tax administration. According to the agency, the partnership is designed to strengthen Nigeria’s tax systems by learning from global best practices, particularly France’s expertise in digital taxation, governance, and taxpayer services.
FIRS firmly rejected claims suggesting that the agreement hands over control of Nigeria’s tax infrastructure or data to France. The Service emphasised that no access is granted to Nigerian taxpayer data, digital platforms, or operational systems, and that all existing laws on data protection, cybersecurity, and privacy—such as the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR)—remain fully in force. The MoU, it added, contains strict confidentiality and data-protection clauses, with Nigeria retaining full authority over its tax systems and strategic decisions.
The agency also dismissed allegations that the partnership sidelines local technology providers. It clarified that the MoU does not involve foreign companies delivering technical services in Nigeria. Instead, it is limited to advisory support, staff training, policy guidance, and the exchange of best practices. FIRS reaffirmed its ongoing collaboration with Nigerian technology firms and institutions, including NIBSS, Interswitch, Paystack, and Flutterwave.
Highlighting the rationale behind the agreement, FIRS noted that DGFiP is one of the world’s most advanced tax authorities, with over a century of experience and a workforce exceeding 90,000. The partnership, it said, aligns with Nigeria’s tax reform agenda and supports the planned transition to the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) in January 2026.
FIRS added that the collaboration is mutually beneficial, allowing Nigeria to benefit from France’s institutional experience while sharing insights on managing a large, youthful, and rapidly evolving workforce.
While welcoming public scrutiny and constructive engagement, the Service cautioned against fear-driven narratives that misrepresent reforms and undermine confidence in national institutions.
The press release concluded with FIRS reaffirming its commitment to transparency, professionalism, and strategic partnerships that strengthen revenue administration and support Nigeria’s long-term economic development.
