12/12/2025
Nigeria, France sign tax cooperation deal as Adedeji unveils new Joint Revenue Board
Nigeria and France have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation on tax administration, digital compliance and cross-border enforcement.
The agreement was signed in Abuja by FIRS Chairman Zacch Adedeji and the French Ambassador, Marc Fonbaustier. Adedeji said the partnership will support information exchange, AI deployment, cybersecurity, transfer pricing and BEPS work, adding that both countries stand to benefit from shared technology and expertise.
The deal comes as FIRS prepares to transition into the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) by January 2026.
New Joint Revenue Board launched
At the 158th meeting of the Joint Tax Board (JTB) in Abuja, Adedeji unveiled its new identity as the Joint Revenue Board (JRB), following the signing of the JRB Act 2025.
He said the change will deepen collaboration among revenue agencies, harmonise tax data and improve compliance. Executive Secretary Olusegun Adesokan said the JRB is already working on a unified national taxpayer database using NIN and corporate registration details.
State IRS chairmen welcomed the reform, with Kwara’s Shade Omoniyi urging strict enforcement of the ban on tax roadblocks, and Lagos’ Ayodele Subair describing the JRB as key to nationwide tax harmonisation.
Nigeria boosts tax enforcement coordination
Ahead of the NRS rollout, FIRS is strengthening cooperation with security and financial intelligence agencies. At a meeting in Lagos, CSP Kyes Bakfur said coordinated intelligence, joint operations and better tools were essential to dismantling tax-evasion networks.
FIRS consultants noted that improved revenue generation would enhance funding for security agencies, while the ICPC warned that corruption and falsification of records still undermine tax administration.
