Nigeria TV Info — NEWS REPORT

FIRS Clarifies MoU With French Tax Authority, Denies Sharing Nigerians’ Tax Data

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has clarified that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) it recently signed with the French tax authority, Direction Générale des Finances Publiques (DGFiP), is strictly focused on technical assistance and capacity building.

In a statement issued on Sunday, FIRS dismissed speculations that the agreement grants France access to Nigerian taxpayers’ data, digital platforms, or any part of Nigeria’s tax administration infrastructure. The agency stressed that no sensitive information or operational control was ceded under the MoU.

According to FIRS, the agreement is a standard, globally recognised framework for international cooperation among tax authorities, aimed at improving institutional efficiency, knowledge sharing, and best practices in tax administration.

The clarification comes amid criticisms from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which raised concerns over the digital tax cooperation between Nigeria and France. The party warned that the agreement could pose risks to national sovereignty and data protection if not properly scrutinised.

In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC said that while it supports efforts to modernise Nigeria’s tax system, the process surrounding the agreement lacked sufficient transparency. The party called for full public disclosure of the MoU’s details or its immediate termination.

FIRS, however, maintained that the cooperation does not compromise Nigeria’s sovereignty and aligns with international norms, reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding Nigerians’ data while strengthening the country’s tax administration capacity.