- Safiu Kehinde
The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has clarified the controversies surrounding its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) agreement signed with France’s Direction Générale des Finances Publiques (DGFIP).
As against reports and online commentaries that has met the MoU, the FIRS explained that the agreement does not grant France access to Nigerian taxpayers’ data.
The service made this known in a statement issued on Saturday.
While appreciating the public for their vigilance, the FIRS held that the MoU only focused on technical assistance and capacity building.
It held that the DGFIP is only engaged on advisory role with Nigeria in full control of the engagement.
“The MoU is a standard; globally recognised cooperation framework focused solely on technical assistance and capacity building.
“It 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.
“Similar MoUs are signed by tax administrations around the world to promote collaboration, knowledge exchange, and the adoption of global best practices.
“The DGFIP is among the world’s most advanced tax authorities, with over a century of institutional experience and deep expertise in 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.” The statement partly read.
The FIRS further clarified that it would continue working with Nigerian innovators like the NIBSS, Interswitch, and PayStack amongst others as it debunked claim of the agreement displacing local technology providers.
It held that the MoU will only help build a modern, capable, globally competitive tax administration
“Contrary to misconceptions, the MoU does not displace local technology providers. FIRS and the emerging Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) continue to work closely with Nigerian innovators such as 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.
“We welcome robust public engagement on tax reforms, but such conversations must reflect the actual content and purpose of the agreement.
“Rather than undermining Nigeria’s sovereignty, this MoU strengthens it by helping to build a modern, capable, globally competitive tax administration one firmly in command of its systems, data, and strategic direction.
“FIRS remains committed to transparency, professionalism, and partnerships that advance Nigeria’s long-term economic development.” The statement added.