Amanze Chinonye
Nigeria’s decision to sign a new tax-administration cooperation agreement with France has ignited wide public debate, with questions emerging about the possible exposure of sensitive national economic information.
The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), however, maintains that the partnership poses no risk to the country’s sovereignty, Prime Business Africa reports.
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FIRS and France’s Direction Générale des Finances Publiques (DGFiP) formalised the agreement on 10 December in Abuja.
The pact is part of Nigeria’s push to modernise revenue administration ahead of the agency’s transformation into the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) in 2026. It commits both countries to work together on digital tax reforms, including the use of artificial intelligence for audits, automated compliance checks, improved analytics, and enhanced cybersecurity.
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Although FIRS officials have repeatedly stressed that no individual taxpayer files or operational systems will be shared with France, the MoU allows for the exchange of aggregated and anonymised economic information. This includes insights on multinational companies, transfer-pricing models, and profit-shifting patterns areas regarded by many experts as sensitive components of national economic security.
The planned data sharing has sparked criticism across social media and within policy circles. Commentators argue that even anonymised information can reveal the structure of Nigeria’s economy, potentially giving France strategic visibility into revenue flows. Some posts circulating online warn that the arrangement could “weaken Nigeria’s fiscal independence,” with others describing it as granting France “a dashboard” into the country’s financial systems.
Calls have also emerged urging the government to suspend or renegotiate the terms of the agreement.
Amid growing concerns, FIRS issued a detailed clarification insisting that the MoU does not grant France access to Nigeria’s tax infrastructure, digital systems, or operational control. According to the agency, the partnership is strictly advisory and focused on capacity development, policy guidance, and the sharing of international best practices. It also reaffirmed that Nigeria’s existing laws on data protection, cybersecurity, and sovereignty remain fully in force and will guide all engagements under the agreement.
The agency further dismissed claims that local technology companies were being sidelined, stating that Nigerian providers such as NIBSS, Interswitch, Paystack, and Flutter wave remain integral to the country’s broader digital-tax reform agenda. FIRS described DGFiP as one of the world’s most advanced tax administrations, with more than a century of institutional experience, and said the collaboration would enhance Nigeria’s preparedness for its transition to the NRS.
The Nigeria – France agreement comes at a time when Paris is recalibrating its engagement in West Africa following troop withdrawals from several countries amid rising anti-French sentiment. Recent cooperation between Nigeria, Benin, and France during the attempted coup in Cotonou has strengthened bilateral relations, prompting France to enhance its partnerships in areas such as security, intelligence, and economic governance. Analysts see the MoU as part of this broader strategic shift.
Despite FIRS’ assurances, several economists and governance experts continue to urge caution. They note that while digital tax modernisation is necessary, Nigeria must ensure the partnership does not inadvertently expose strategic fiscal data or weaken national control over revenue systems.
For now, FIRS maintains that Nigeria retains complete authority over its tax administration and that the cooperation with France is intended to support rather than compromise the country’s long-term economic resilience.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
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