Nigeria’s tax agreement with France by Tinubu govt based on global best practices – FIRS

CLARIFICATION ON THE FIRS–DGFiP MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has observed recent reports and online commentary regarding the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with France’s Direction Générale des Finances Publiques (DGFiP).

We appreciate the public’s vigilance and patriotic concern; however, it is important to provide clarity.

The MoU is a standard, globally recognised cooperation framework focused solely on technical assistance and capacity building. It does not grant France access to Nigerian taxpayer data, digital systems, or any element of our operational infrastructure.

All existing Nigerian laws on data protection, cybersecurity, and sovereignty remain fully applicable and strictly enforced.

The NRS, like its predecessor, FIRS, places the highest premium on national security and maintains rigorous standards for the protection of all taxpayer information.

Similar MoUs are signed by tax administrations around the world to promote collaboration, knowledge exchange, and the adoption of global best practices. The DGFiP is among the world’s most advanced tax authorities, with over a century of institutional experience and deep expertise in digital transformation, taxpayer services, governance, and public finance. This partnership simply enables Nigeria to learn from that experience. It is advisory, non-intrusive, and entirely under Nigeria’s control.

Contrary to misconceptions, the MoU does not displace local technology providers. FIRS and the emerging Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) continue to work closely with Nigerian innovators such as NIBSS, Interswitch, PayStack, and Flutterwave. The MoU does not include the provision of technical services; it is limited to knowledge sharing, institutional strengthening, workforce development, policy support, and best-practice guidance.

We welcome robust public engagement on tax reforms, but such conversations must reflect the actual content and purpose of the agreement. Rather than undermining Nigeria’s sovereignty, this MoU strengthens it by helping to build a modern, capable, globally competitive tax administration, one firmly in command of its systems, data, and strategic direction.

FIRS remains committed to transparency, professionalism, and partnerships that advance Nigeria’s long-term economic development.

Signed
Federal Inland Revenue Services