L-R: Zacch Adedeji, the FIRS chairman, and Marc Fonbaustier, the French envoy representing the DGFP, at the MoU signing ceremony in Abuja on December 10, 2025
The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Direction Générale des Finances Publiques (DGFP) on the promotion of efficient tax administration.
The DGFP (Directorate General of Public Finances) is an agency of the French government that plays a key role in public finance management, including taxes.
The agreement was signed on Wednesday at the French Embassy in Abuja, according to a statement by Dare Adekanmbi, special adviser on media to the FIRS chairman.
Zacch Adedeji, the FIRS chairman, was said to have signed on behalf of Nigeria, while Marc Fonbaustier, the French ambassador, represented DGFP.
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Speaking on the agreement, Adedeji said the partnership underscores a shared commitment to building “stronger, more resilient and forward-looking tax administrations” for both nations.
The FIRS chairman identified digital transformation as a key area of collaboration, noting that Nigeria stands to benefit from France’s use of technology in taxpayer services, compliance management, and data-driven enforcement.
He said Nigeria, in return, would offer France insights from its rapid digital growth, adoption of new tools and innovations tailored to a fast-growing, tech-driven population.
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“This two-way exchange is essential as both countries adapt to emerging challenges such as Artificial Intelligence deployment, cybersecurity, and cross-border taxation,” Adedeji was quoted as saying.
The FIRS boss said Nigeria plans to engage more with global partners, adding that the collaboration with France would allow both tax bodies to share ideas, exchange innovations, and learn from one another.
“Another important aspect is workforce development. While we look forward to learning from France’s well-structured human capital systems, particularly in professional standards, continuous learning, and organizational discipline, we also believe that our experience in managing a young, dynamic and diverse workforce will offer valuable insights to DGFIP,” he said.
“Together, we can develop models that strengthen institutional culture, build global competencies, and prepare our respective institutions for the future of public finance administration.
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“We also anticipate strong bilateral cooperation in international taxation, exchange of information, transfer pricing, and Base Erosion and Profit Shifting BEPS-related work.
“As economic activities become increasingly borderless, the ability of both our institutions to collaborate, share intelligence, and harmonise approaches will be crucial. This MoU provides exactly the platform we need to deepen that cooperation.”
Adedeji said as Nigeria moves into the era of the Nigeria Revenue Service, the partnership would serve as a cornerstone of its transformation, helping to build a revenue administration that is modern, trusted, innovative, and globally connected.
On his part, Fonbaustier, while signing the deal, stressed the importance of collaboration between the two countries.
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