A recent tax cooperation agreement between Nigeria and France has triggered public debate, online speculation, and concern among political groups and analysts. At the centre of the controversy is a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and France’s Direction Générale des Finances Publiques (DGFiP), an agreement that critics fear could open Nigeria’s tax system to foreign control. In response, the FIRS has issued a detailed clarification, insisting the partnership is limited, technical, and firmly under Nigerian control.
What happened
The FIRS signed a MoU with France’s DGFiP on December 10th, 2025, at the French Embassy in Abuja. The agreement focuses on cooperation in areas of mutual interest aimed at improving tax administration efficiency.
The signing comes ahead of Nigeria’s planned transition from the FIRS to the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) in January 2026. According to Dr. Zacch Adedeji, Executive Chairman of FIRS, the MoU reflects a shared commitment to building stronger, more resilient, and future-ready tax administrations.
Soon after the announcement, public commentary emerged suggesting that the agreement could allow France to participate directly in monitoring Nigerian taxpayers, access sensitive financial data, or deploy foreign technology to enforce Nigeria’s new tax laws.
FIRS clarification
Responding to the growing concerns, the FIRS said it observed “recent reports and online commentary” misrepresenting the agreement and issued a formal clarification.
According to the service, the MoU is a standard international cooperation framework focused on technical assistance and capacity building. It stressed that the agreement does not grant France access to Nigerian taxpayer data, digital systems, or operational infrastructure.
The FIRS said all Nigerian laws on data protection, cybersecurity, and national sovereignty remain fully in force and are strictly enforced. It stated that protecting taxpayer information remains a top priority.
The agency explained that similar MoUs exist globally and are used to promote knowledge sharing and the adoption of international best practices. France’s DGFiP, it noted, has decades of experience in digital transformation, taxpayer services, and public finance, experience Nigeria seeks to learn from without surrendering control.
Importantly, the FIRS stated that the agreement does not replace or sideline Nigerian technology providers. Local firms such as NIBSS, Interswitch, Paystack, and Flutterwave remain core partners. The MoU does not involve technical service delivery, but focuses on advisory support, workforce development, institutional strengthening, and policy guidance.
Why concerns persist
Despite the clarification, concerns have continued to surface, particularly from political and regional groups.
The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) called for the immediate termination of the MoU, describing it as a potential threat to Nigeria’s economic sovereignty and national security. In an open letter to the federal government and the National Assembly, the group warned that the agreement could expose sensitive economic data to foreign interests.
Political parties have also weighed in. The People’s Redemption Party described the MoU as a grave risk to Nigeria’s sovereignty, while the African Democratic Congress demanded full public disclosure of the agreement, warning that secrecy could undermine trust and data security.
Some analysts have taken an even harder line, arguing that any foreign involvement in tax administration, however limited, risks handing over what they describe as Nigeria’s “economic dashboard” to an external power.
These reactions have been shaped partly by wider geopolitical sensitivities, including France’s strained relations with some African states and Nigeria’s expanding tax reforms under a new legal framework.
What it means for business
For businesses and investors, the controversy highlights the sensitivity around tax reforms at a time when Nigeria is seeking to modernise revenue collection and expand its tax base.
Implemented as outlined by the FIRS, the MoU has the potential to enhance administrative efficiency, reinforce compliance systems, and facilitate the transition to the NRS – while maintaining business continuity and protecting proprietary data.
However, the public backlash highlights the importance of transparency and communication in reform implementation. Investor confidence depends not only on stronger institutions but also on public trust in how reforms are designed and governed.
The FIRS has said it welcomes public engagement and insists that the agreement strengthens, rather than weakens, Nigeria’s sovereignty by building a modern, capable, and globally competitive tax administration.
What to watch next
France’s DGFiP has yet to issue a public statement on the partnership. Meanwhile, calls for greater disclosure and legislative scrutiny are likely to continue as Nigeria approaches the launch of the NRS in 2026.
For now, the debate has shifted the focus from the technical details of the MoU to broader questions about sovereignty, trust, and how Nigeria balances international cooperation with domestic control in sensitive policy areas.
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