The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has firmly denied claims circulating online that Nigeria has handed France access to its tax records, digital platforms, or operational control of its revenue systems. The rebuttal follows a wave of public criticism triggered by news of a cooperation agreement recently signed between the two countries, which many commentators interpreted as a transfer of sensitive national data to a foreign government.
The agreement, which comes ahead of FIRS’ transformation into the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) in January 2026, is aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s digital tax administration, improving staff competence, and supporting cross-border tax enforcement. However, misinformation spread rapidly on social media, prompting the agency to release an official clarification.
In the statement issued on Friday by Dr. Umar Ahmed, Director of Intergovernmental Affairs at FIRS, the agency stressed that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with France’s Direction Générale des Finances Publiques (DGFiP) is purely a technical cooperation arrangement. It emphasized that the agreement in no way authorizes France to access Nigeria’s tax database, digital infrastructure, or exercise any form of administrative control over its systems.
FIRS stated that all existing Nigerian laws governing cybersecurity, data privacy, and national sovereignty remain fully intact and binding. The agency added that the MoU itself contains strict confidentiality safeguards designed to protect Nigeria’s interests.
It also highlighted the expertise of the French tax authority, describing DGFiP as a globally respected institution with over 100 years of operational experience and more than 90,000 specialists working across digital tax technology, public finance, and revenue governance. According to FIRS, the collaboration is advisory, non-invasive, and intended to boost Nigeria’s institutional capacity.
Addressing public concerns about the role of local technology companies, the agency clarified that indigenous firms such as Paystack, Interswitch, Flutterwave, and NIBSS remain fully engaged in Nigeria’s digital tax modernization projects. It explained that the MoU is focused on knowledge exchange, policy updates, digital modernization guidance, staff training, and improved taxpayer awareness—not on outsourcing technical operations.
FIRS reaffirmed that Nigeria retains complete sovereignty over its tax systems, policy decisions, and data. It described the partnership with France as part of a broader effort to modernize revenue administration and build long-term economic stability. The agency reiterated its commitment to transparency, professionalism, and informed dialogue as it continues to advance the country’s tax reforms.