FIRS, French public finance agency deepen cooperation on digital reforms, international taxation, and workforce development
The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has entered into a new partnership with France’s Direction Générale des Finances Publiques (DGFP) to enhance tax administration efficiency and modernise revenue systems in both countries.
The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was formally signed on Wednesday at the French Embassy in Abuja, according to a statement issued by Dare Adekanmbi, Special Adviser on Media to the FIRS Chairman.
FIRS Chairman Zacch Adedeji signed on behalf of Nigeria, while French Ambassador Marc Fonbaustier represented the DGFP, France’s key public finance management agency responsible for taxation and treasury functions.
Adedeji: Partnership Will Build “Stronger, Forward-Looking Tax Administrations”
Speaking during the ceremony, Adedeji said the collaboration reflects a shared ambition to develop “stronger, more resilient and forward-looking tax administrations” capable of responding to global economic shifts.
He highlighted digital transformation as a central pillar of the MoU, saying Nigeria will benefit from France’s advanced use of technology in taxpayer services, compliance systems, and data-driven enforcement.
In return, he said France stands to gain valuable insights from Nigeria’s rapid digital expansion and its experience deploying innovative tools across a large, youthful, and tech-active population.
“This two-way exchange is essential as both countries adapt to emerging challenges such as Artificial Intelligence deployment, cybersecurity, and cross-border taxation,” Adedeji stated.
Focus Areas: Digitalisation, Human Capital, and Global Tax Compliance
Adedeji also identified workforce development as a major component of the partnership, noting that Nigeria looks forward to learning from France’s “well-structured human capital systems,” particularly in professional standards, continuous training, and institutional discipline.
He added that Nigeria’s experience managing a diverse and rapidly evolving workforce would provide France with equally valuable perspectives.
“Together, we can develop models that strengthen institutional culture, build global competencies, and prepare our respective institutions for the future of public finance administration.”
The FIRS chairman further noted that the MoU will bolster cooperation in:
- International taxation
- Exchange of information
- Transfer pricing
- Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS)-related work
He stressed that as global economic activity becomes increasingly borderless, improved coordination between tax authorities will be vital.
New MoU Aligns With Nigeria’s Revenue Service Transformation
Adedeji said the partnership aligns with Nigeria’s transition into the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) era, positioning the country to build a more modern, trusted, and globally integrated revenue system.
France Emphasises Importance of Bilateral Cooperation
French Ambassador Fonbaustier, who signed the MoU on behalf of the DGFP, reaffirmed France’s commitment to deeper collaboration, describing the agreement as an important step in strengthening public finance cooperation between both nations.
