Nigeria, France Join Forces: FIRS Signs Landmark MoU On Digital Tax Administration

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has entered a strategic partnership with France’s revenue agency, Direction Générale des Finances Publiques (DGFP), signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance tax administration, improve compliance, and drive digital transformation.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The agreement was formalized at the French Embassy in Abuja and represents a major step in deepening bilateral cooperation in tax intelligence, technology sharing, and international best practices.

FIRS Chairman Dr. Zacch Adedeji highlighted that the MoU is critical amid the global digital economy, allowing both nations to collaborate on emerging challenges such as AI integration, cybersecurity, and cross-border taxation. He explained that Nigeria would benefit from France’s advanced compliance technologies and data-driven enforcement systems, while France could learn from Nigeria’s rapid digital growth and innovative tax strategies.

French Ambassador Marc Fonbaustier described the agreement as a milestone, emphasizing the importance of harmonized approaches to tax administration, particularly in digital transactions and transparency in international taxation.

In parallel, Dr. Adedeji unveiled a new identity for the Joint Tax Board (JTB), which will now be known as the Joint Revenue Board (JRB), following the enactment of the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Act 2025. The reform, signed by President Bola Tinubu, aims to harmonize national revenue administration, strengthen inter-agency collaboration, and enhance compliance across states. The JRB will coordinate tax IDs for individuals and corporates, leveraging foundational data such as NINs and company registration numbers, and work toward a uniform tax and levy framework nationwide.

The reforms are designed to coincide with the formal transition of FIRS into the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) starting January 1, 2026. The move aligns with broader fiscal reforms aimed at modernizing revenue collection, fostering transparency, and engaging global partners to bolster institutional capacity.

Dr. Adedeji stressed workforce development as a key component, noting that lessons from France’s structured human capital systems will complement Nigeria’s dynamic and diverse workforce. The partnership also covers international taxation, information exchange, transfer pricing, and BEPS-related matters, ensuring that Nigeria’s revenue agencies are globally connected and future-ready.

At a high-level stakeholder meeting in Lagos, CSP Kyes Bakfur, Head of FIRS Special Enforcement Division, emphasized coordinated enforcement with security and financial intelligence agencies to protect national revenue, dismantle tax evasion networks, and reinforce fiscal resilience. Consultants highlighted that increased collaboration will not only improve enforcement efficiency but also provide additional funding for national security.

State revenue officials, including the Executive Chairpersons of Kwara, Sokoto, and Lagos IRS, praised the reforms, underscoring the importance of eliminating roadblocks, harmonizing tax collection, and fostering a revenue-friendly environment for investment and development.

Overall, the MoU with France and the establishment of the JRB mark a new era of innovation, coordination, and global engagement in Nigeria’s tax administration, with the goal of creating a modern, transparent, and efficient revenue system capable of supporting national growth and security.