ADC Questions Transparency and National Sovereignty
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has expressed significant apprehension over a digital tax agreement recently signed between Nigeria and France. On Sunday, December 14, 2025, the party's National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, issued a statement supporting efforts to modernize Nigeria's tax system but critically questioned the process by which the deal was reached. The ADC cited a lack of transparency, potential infringements on national sovereignty, and risks to the data safety of Nigerians as primary concerns.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on digital tax reform and revenue administration was formalized on December 10, 2025, at the French embassy in Abuja, between the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), representing Nigeria, and France's Direction Générale des Finances Publiques (DGFiP). The agreement was signed by FIRS Executive Chairman Dr. Zacch Adedeji and French Ambassador Marc Fonbaustier.
Data Security and Economic Exploitation Fears
A core concern raised by the ADC is the potential for the agreement to endanger Nigeria's data security and expose strategic national economic information to foreign exploitation. The party stated that 'expert opinions' reviewed by the ADC suggest the deal could risk sensitive economic data.
The ADC also questioned why such a significant agreement was entered into without public disclosure of its full terms, engagement with the National Assembly, or broader consultation with stakeholders. Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi argued that 'tax matters are about business, not charity,' and demanded clarification on what France stands to gain from the deal, given that the FIRS had primarily outlined Nigeria's benefits.
FIRS Defends Agreement Amidst Criticism
In response to the growing criticism, including from the ADC and the Northern Elders Forum, the FIRS defended the MoU. The service clarified that the agreement is a 'standard, globally recognised cooperation framework' focused solely on technical assistance and capacity building.
The FIRS emphasized that the MoU:
- Does not grant France access to Nigerian taxpayers' data or digital systems.
- Ensures all existing Nigerian laws on data protection, cybersecurity, and sovereignty remain fully applicable and strictly enforced.
- Is advisory, non-intrusive, and entirely under Nigeria's control.
Calls for Full Disclosure or Termination
The ADC has called on the Federal Government to either make full public disclosure of the agreement's details or terminate the deal immediately. The party also demanded a proper briefing of the National Assembly and an independent assessment of the MoU's implications for data security, cybersecurity, and national sovereignty.
6 Comments
Bermudez
While tax reform is definitely needed to boost revenue, the lack of parliamentary oversight on such a significant international agreement is concerning and should be addressed.
Africa
Leveraging international expertise for capacity building is a positive step, yet the ADC's demand for clarity on data security protocols and national sovereignty remains valid.
Habibi
International cooperation is key for development. This deal looks beneficial.
ZmeeLove
The idea of technical assistance for tax administration sounds promising, however, without full disclosure, it's hard to dismiss the legitimate worries about economic exploitation and sovereignty.
Muchacho
Giving France access to our digital tax data? Huge sovereignty risk!
Donatello
FIRS assures us of data protection, which is good, but public trust would be much higher if the full MoU details were made accessible for independent review.