The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has moved to dispel growing public concerns over a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) it recently signed with France’s Direction Générale des Finances Publiques (DGFiP), insisting that the agreement poses no threat to Nigeria’s data security, digital systems, or national sovereignty.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the tax authority said it observed “recent online commentary,” including a letter attributed to the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), which raised alarm over the MoU.
While acknowledging the right of Nigerians to scrutinise government actions, FIRS said much of the criticism was based on misconceptions about the nature and scope of the agreement.
According to the agency, the MoU is a standard international cooperation framework designed strictly for technical assistance and capacity building. It stressed that the agreement does not grant France access to Nigerian taxpayers’ data, digital platforms, or any aspect of the country’s tax administration infrastructure.
FIRS emphasised that all Nigerian laws relating to data protection, cybersecurity, and national sovereignty remain fully in force and are strictly enforced. It added that the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), which is set to succeed FIRS, maintains the highest standards for safeguarding sensitive taxpayer information.
“Like similar agreements signed by tax administrations across the world, this MoU is focused on collaboration, knowledge exchange, and the adoption of global best practices,” the statement said.
The agency described France’s DGFiP as one of the world’s most advanced tax authorities, with more than a century of institutional experience, particularly in digital transformation, taxpayer services, governance, and public finance management.
FIRS explained that the partnership is advisory and non-intrusive, noting that Nigeria retains full control over its systems, data, and strategic direction. It added that the MoU does not involve the provision of technical services or the outsourcing of tax operations.
Addressing concerns about local capacity, the service clarified that the agreement does not sideline Nigerian technology firms. It said FIRS and the emerging NRS continue to collaborate with local innovators such as the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS), Interswitch, Paystack, and Flutterwave.
“The MoU is limited to knowledge sharing, institutional strengthening, workforce development, policy support, and best-practice guidance,” the statement said.
FIRS said it welcomes constructive public debate on tax reforms but cautioned that such discussions should be grounded in the actual content and intent of policy decisions. It argued that, rather than weakening Nigeria’s sovereignty, the MoU enhances it by supporting the development of a modern, efficient, and globally competitive tax administration.
The agency reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, professionalism, and strategic partnerships that support Nigeria’s long-term economic growth and fiscal sustainability.
