The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called for transparency in the Nigeria-France digital tax agreement expressing concern over the agreement.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, in a statement issued in Abuja urged FIRS to make full disclosure of the agreement or terminate the deal.
The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) had recently announced signing a landmark cooperation pact with France. The agreement, FIRS said, was aimed at modernising Nigeria’s tax administration through digital transformation, capacity development and improved cross-border enforcement.
The agreement came barely weeks before the FIRS formal transition into Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) by January 2026.
FIRS Chairman, Dr Zacch Adedeji and the French Ambassador to Nigeria, Marc Fonbaustier, had signed the memorandum of understanding on behalf of both countries.
According to Adedeji, the partnership symbolises a shared ambition to build “stronger, more resilient and forward-looking” tax systems at a time global public finance is being reshaped by technology, artificial intelligence and cross-border digital commerce.
The ADC publicity secretary, while expressing concern over the tax agreement and supporting modernisation, questioned transparency, sovereignty, data protection and the process adopted.
He said that reviews had shown that the digital tax deal could risk Nigeria’s data security and expose sensitive economic information.
Abdullahi argued that the tax agreements were business decisions, asking what France would benefit and why Nigeria entered into such a ‘sensitive deal’ without National Assembly engagement or consultation.
The ADC spokesman argued that France’s influence had been declining in the West Africa sub-region, wondering why such an with the country.
He also questioned the preference for foreign partnerships despite strong local capacity, stressing that tax reforms should build institutions, protect sovereignty and strengthen data security.
Abdullahi, therefore, called on FIRS to publish the agreement, brief the national assembly, conduct independent assessments of data and cybersecurity risks or terminate the deal immediately, if necessary.
However, FIRS in a statement disclosed acknowledgement of reports and commentary regarding the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with France’s Direction Générale des Finances Publiques (DGFiP).
“We appreciate the public’s vigilance and patriotic concern; however, it is important to provide clarity,” FIRS stated.
It explained that 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.
“The NRS, like its predecessor, FIRS, places the highest premium on national security and maintains rigorous standards for the protection of all taxpayer information.
“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.
“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 service stated.
