Nigeria’s Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has dismissed claims that a tax cooperation agreement with France grants foreign authorities access to Nigerian taxpayer data or digital tax systems.
In a statement issued on Saturday, FIRS clarified that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with France’s Direction Générale des Finances Publiques (DGFiP) does not permit access to taxpayer records, databases, or any component of Nigeria’s tax administration infrastructure.
The agency stressed that all Nigerian laws governing data protection, cybersecurity, and national sovereignty remain fully applicable and strictly enforced.
According to FIRS, the agreement is a standard international cooperation framework designed to promote technical knowledge exchange, institutional development, and capacity building, similar to arrangements used by tax authorities in other jurisdictions.
“The MoU does not grant France access to Nigerian taxpayer data, digital systems, or any element of our operational infrastructure,” the statement said.
FIRS further explained that the agreement does not involve the provision of technical services, adding that its scope is limited to knowledge sharing, workforce development, policy support, institutional strengthening, and best-practice guidance.
Addressing concerns over potential displacement of local technology providers, the agency assured that the MoU does not undermine Nigerian firms.
It reaffirmed continued collaboration with domestic payment and technology companies, including NIBSS, Interswitch, Paystack, and Flutterwave.
The clarification follows public commentary and speculation surrounding the agreement, with FIRS reiterating its commitment to safeguarding taxpayer data and maintaining full control over Nigeria’s tax systems.