The Digest:
The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has issued clarifications defending its recently signed memorandum of understanding with France, stating that the agreement does not affect Nigeria’s tax sovereignty or grant France access to taxpayer data or digital systems.
Key Points:
- The MoU, signed on December 10, focuses on digital transformation, workforce development, and tax best practices.
- FIRS emphasized that all Nigerian data protection and cybersecurity laws remain fully applicable.
- The agency stated the partnership is advisory and non-intrusive, aimed at learning from France’s advanced tax administration.
- It clarified that no technical services are provided, and Nigerian fintech partners like NIBSS, Interswitch, and Flutterwave remain integral.
- Opposition ADC and Northern elders had raised sovereignty and data safety concerns.
- FIRS stressed the MoU strengthens rather than undermines Nigeria’s control over its tax systems.
- The agency will transition to the Nigerian Revenue Service (NRS) in 2026.
Sources: Business Post Nigeria
