ABUJA, Dec. 13, 2025 (Naija247news) – Nigeria’s drive to modernise its tax administration has gained fresh momentum following the signing of a new cooperation agreement between the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the French government, in a move aimed at strengthening revenue systems, expanding digital capacity and improving the management of cross-border tax issues.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed at the French Embassy in Abuja by the Chairman of FIRS, Zacch Adedeji, and the French Ambassador to Nigeria, Marc Fonbaustier. The agreement establishes a structured framework for collaboration between FIRS and France’s tax authority, the Direction Générale des Finances Publiques (DGFiP).
Commenting on the development, policy analyst Arabinrin Aderonke described the partnership as a strong signal that Nigeria is serious about building a tax system that inspires public trust and demonstrates to citizens that their contributions are meaningful and well managed.
Digital reform at the core
At the heart of the agreement is a renewed push for digital transformation across Nigeria’s tax administration. Aderonke noted that Adedeji has consistently stressed that reform must go beyond cosmetic technology adoption and instead focus on fundamentally improving how tax processes work.
According to her, the FIRS is investing in systems designed to make tax administration faster, more predictable and transparent, with clearer communication channels and improved compliance outcomes for taxpayers.
Knowledge exchange and capacity building
A key pillar of the MoU is the exchange of expertise between both countries. French officials are expected to share lessons from operating one of the world’s most advanced tax administrations, including best practices in professionalism, workforce development and institutional training.
Nigeria, in turn, will contribute insights from its experience in adaptability and leveraging a youthful, resilient workforce. Aderonke said this two-way learning process is expected to strengthen the skills, culture and institutional capacity of tax professionals on both sides.
Tackling cross-border tax challenges
The agreement also addresses critical global tax issues such as transfer pricing, cross-border taxation and information exchange—areas increasingly seen as essential for any modern, competitive economy.
By aligning more closely with international best practices, the partnership provides Nigeria with tools to better protect its tax base while remaining integrated into the global financial system.
A reform-driven leadership approach
Aderonke described the partnership as a platform for dialogue, experimentation and shared learning, rather than a top-down arrangement. She praised Adedeji’s leadership style as decisive and hands-on, noting that he has prioritised action over waiting for “perfect conditions.”
She concluded that the agreement marks another step toward building a more reliable, transparent and responsive tax system—one that Nigerians can increasingly trust to work in their favour.
Emma Tochi ✔
Godwin Okafor is the Publisher & CEO of Naija247news Media Group LLC, an independent investigative news platform delivering accurate, data-driven reporting on Nigerian and global politics, economy, finance, and business. Founded in October 2010, Naija247news specializes in developmental journalism, providing timely insights and analysis to readers across Nigeria and the diaspora.
View Archive →
