The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has clarified the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) it signed with France’s Direction Générale des Finances Publiques (DGFiP), saying the agreement is strictly for technical cooperation and does not compromise Nigeria’s data security or sovereignty.
In a statement issued on Sunday, FIRS said it had taken note of recent reports and online commentary surrounding the MoU, stressing the need to set the record straight.
According to the service, the MoU is a standard, globally recognised framework focused on technical assistance and capacity building, and does not grant France access to Nigerian taxpayer data, digital systems or any part of FIRS’ operational infrastructure.
“The MoU does not grant France access to Nigerian taxpayer data, digital systems, or any element of our operational infrastructure. All existing Nigerian laws on data protection, cybersecurity, and sovereignty remain fully applicable and strictly enforced,” the statement said.
FIRS added that national security remains a top priority, noting that it maintains rigorous standards for the protection of taxpayer information under the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), just as it did under the former FIRS structure.
The agency explained that similar MoUs are common among tax administrations globally and are designed to promote collaboration, knowledge exchange and the adoption of best practices. It described the DGFiP as one of the world’s most advanced tax authorities, with over a century of institutional experience in areas such as digital transformation, taxpayer services, governance and public finance.
“This partnership simply enables Nigeria to learn from that experience. It is advisory, non-intrusive, and entirely under Nigeria’s control,” FIRS stated.
Addressing concerns about local technology providers, FIRS dismissed claims that the MoU would sideline Nigerian firms, saying it does not involve the provision of technical services.
“Contrary to misconceptions, the MoU does not displace local technology providers. FIRS and the emerging Nigeria Revenue Service continue to work closely with Nigerian innovators such as NIBSS, Interswitch, PayStack and Flutterwave,” the statement said.
FIRS further explained that the agreement is limited to knowledge sharing, institutional strengthening, workforce development, policy support and best-practice guidance.
While welcoming public engagement on tax reforms, the service urged that discussions be guided by facts, stressing that the MoU strengthens, rather than undermines, Nigeria’s sovereignty by supporting the development of a modern and globally competitive tax administration.
FIRS reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, professionalism and partnerships that support Nigeria’s long-term economic development
