FIRS clarifies Tax deal with France, denies granting access to taxpayer data
The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has debunked insinuations and online commentary suggesting that its recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with France’s Direction Générale des Finances Publiques (DGFiP) compromises Nigeria’s data sovereignty.
In a statement released to clarify the agreement, the tax authority assured the public that the partnership is strictly focused on technical assistance and capacity building, and does not grant France access to Nigerian taxpayer data or digital infrastructure.
The FIRS stated that the clarification became necessary following concerns raised by vigilant Nigerians regarding the implications of the agreement on national security and data privacy.
Addressing the core concerns, the FIRS emphasized that the MoU is a standard, globally recognised cooperation framework.
"It does not grant France access to Nigerian taxpayer data, digital systems, or any element of our operational infrastructure," the statement read.
The agency reiterated that all existing Nigerian laws regarding data protection, cybersecurity, and sovereignty remain fully applicable and strictly enforced. It assured that the emerging Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), like the FIRS, places the highest premium on national security.
Explaining the rationale behind the partnership, the FIRS noted that the DGFiP is one of the world’s most advanced tax authorities, boasting over a century of institutional experience.
The collaboration is designed to allow Nigeria to leverage this expertise in areas such as digital transformation, taxpayer services, and governance.
"This partnership simply enables Nigeria to learn from that experience. It is advisory, non-intrusive, and entirely under Nigeria’s control," the agency stated.
The FIRS also dismissed fears that the agreement would displace local technology providers. It affirmed that it continues to work closely with Nigerian innovators, including 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," the statement clarified.
The service concluded by welcoming robust public engagement on tax reforms but urged that such conversations be based on the actual content of the agreement, which it describes as a move to build a "modern, capable, and globally competitive tax administration."