Nigeria, France Seal Tax Administration Deal to Power Digital Reforms Ahead of 2026 Transition
Nigeria has taken another major step toward modernising its tax system as the Federal Government signed a groundbreaking cooperation agreement with France to strengthen digital tax administration and cross-border enforcement. The deal marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s journey toward a more technology-driven, transparent, and globally aligned revenue framework.
The pact, signed between the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and France’s Direction Générale des Finances Publiques (DGFIP), comes at a pivotal moment as FIRS prepares to transition into the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) in January 2026. Officials say this partnership will help Nigeria accelerate critical reforms that have long been needed to close tax gaps and improve efficiency.
According to a statement shared through the Presidency’s official X handle, the memorandum of understanding focuses on upgrading digital processes, improving compliance systems, and enhancing taxpayer services. The collaboration prioritises data-driven enforcement tools that will make it easier for the government to identify tax leakages and track cross-border transactions more effectively.
Beyond technology, the agreement also places a strong emphasis on developing human capital. Both nations have committed to strengthening professional standards across their tax institutions, ensuring that Nigerian personnel gain the global expertise required to manage an increasingly complex public finance environment. This move is expected to elevate the overall quality of tax administration and service delivery.
The partnership further expands cooperation in key areas of international taxation, including information exchange, transfer pricing, and Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) frameworks. Officials believe the improved transparency and enforcement capacity will not only modernise Nigeria’s tax ecosystem but also position the country for greater fiscal stability and operational excellence in the years ahead.
source: business day