FIRS, French Authority seal deal on digital tax administration

In its determination to take off on a strong footing ahead of its transition to the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) next month, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has entered into a strategic partnership with France’s tax authority, Direction Générale des Finances Publiques (DGFP). They signed a memorandum of understanding on Wednesday with the aim of enhancing cooperation and promoting more efficient tax administration. Speaking at the signing ceremony held at the French Embassy in Abuja, FIRS Chairman, Zacch Adedeji, who signed on behalf of the agency described the agreement as a reflection of the two countries’ shared commitment to building stronger, more resilient, and future-ready tax systems. The French Ambassador to Nigeria, Marc Fonbaustier, who signed for DGFP, highlighted the importance of the collaboration, noting that both nations stand to benefit significantly from the exchange of expertise. In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Dare Adekanmbi, Adedeji identified digital transformation as one of the key areas where Nigeria hopes to learn from France’s advanced technology deployment in compliance management, taxpayer services, and data-driven enforcement. He noted that France, in turn, will gain valuable insights from Nigeria’s rapid digital expansion, agile technology adoption, and innovative solutions driven by its youthful, tech-oriented population.

“This two-way exchange is essential as both countries adapt to emerging challenges such as Artificial Intelligence deployment, cybersecurity, and cross-border taxation,” he said.

Adedeji added that Nigeria will continue to strengthen ties with global partners, as such collaborations offer opportunities to share innovations, exchange ideas, and learn from each other’s institutional experiences.

He further underscored workforce development as a key component of the partnership. According to him, Nigeria hopes to benefit from France’s structured human capital systems—particularly in professional standards, continuous learning, and organizational discipline—while also offering DGFP insights drawn from managing a young and diverse workforce.

“Together, we can develop models that strengthen institutional culture, build global competencies, and prepare our respective institutions for the future of public finance administration,” he said.

The FIRS Chairman also projected stronger bilateral cooperation in areas such as international taxation, exchange of information, transfer pricing, and Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS).

“As economic activities become increasingly borderless, the ability of both our institutions to collaborate, share intelligence, and harmonize approaches will be crucial. This MoU provides exactly the platform we need to deepen that cooperation.

“As Nigeria moves into the era of the Nigerian Revenue Service, we see this partnership as a cornerstone of our transformation—one that will help us build a revenue administration that is modern, trusted, innovative, and globally connected,” Adedeji added.

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