The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has explained that its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with France’s Direction Générale des Finances Publiques (DGFiP) is solely focused on technical cooperation and does not in any way compromise Nigeria’s data security or national sovereignty.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the FIRS said it was compelled to address recent media reports and online commentary surrounding the MoU, emphasizing the importance of setting the record straight. The service explained that the agreement is a standard, internationally recognized framework designed solely for technical assistance and capacity building, and does not confer any access to Nigerian taxpayer data, digital systems, or operational infrastructure. It stressed that all existing Nigerian laws on data protection, cybersecurity, and national sovereignty remain fully applicable and are being strictly enforced.
FIRS further assured that national security remains a paramount concern, emphasizing that it continues to uphold strict standards for safeguarding taxpayer information under the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), in the same manner it did under the former FIRS structure.
The agency noted that such MoUs are commonplace among tax administrations worldwide, serving as platforms for collaboration, knowledge sharing and the adoption of global best practices. It described France’s DGFiP as one of the most advanced tax authorities globally, with more than a century of institutional expertise in areas including digital transformation, taxpayer services, governance and public finance.
According to FIRS, the partnership is purely advisory in nature, non-intrusive and fully under Nigeria’s control, enabling the country to benefit from DGFiP’s experience without ceding authority.
Responding to concerns raised by local technology providers, the service dismissed suggestions that the MoU would marginalize Nigerian firms, clarifying that the agreement does not involve the provision of technical services.
FIRS dismissed claims that the MoU would edge out local technology providers, stressing that both the Service and the emerging Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) continue to collaborate with Nigerian innovators, including NIBSS, Interswitch, PayStack and Flutterwave.
The agency noted that the agreement is strictly confined to knowledge exchange, institutional capacity building, workforce development, policy advisory support and the sharing of international best practices.
While encouraging constructive public discourse on ongoing tax reforms, FIRS urged stakeholders to base discussions on verifiable facts, emphasizing that the MoU enhances—rather than diminishes—Nigeria’s sovereignty by supporting the growth of a modern, efficient and globally competitive tax administration.
FIRS reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, professionalism and strategic partnerships that advance Nigeria’s long-term economic growth and the development of a modern, resilient tax administration.
