The Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) has officially weighed in on the controversial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and France’s tax authority (DGFiP), warning that international partnerships must not come at the expense of national data privacy and digital sovereignty.
In a comprehensive position paper released on December 18, 2025, the President of the NCS, Dr. Muhammad Sirajo Aliyu, emphasized that while global cooperation is essential for technical growth, the "sanctity of Nigerian citizen data" remains a non-negotiable priority.
The MoU, signed on December 10, 2024, was designed to enhance digital tax administration and institutional capacity in Nigeria.
However, it has triggered a wave of concern among civil society groups and political stakeholders who fear the agreement might grant foreign entities back-door access to sensitive taxpayer infrastructure.
Despite FIRS's assurances that no Nigerian data is being shared, the NCS highlighted several "red flags" regarding the lack of transparency and the potential for digital dependence.
"True digital sovereignty ensures that external collaborations do not result in de facto foreign control or influence over strategically important systems and datasets," the NCS stated.
The NCS position paper outlines a clear roadmap for how the Nigerian government should navigate international tech agreements. Central to this is the adherence to the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) 2023.
National Data Ownership: Public and governmental data must remain under Nigerian juridical control at all times.
Data Localization: Critical economic data should be stored and processed within Nigerian borders to prevent foreign jurisdictional claims.
Mandatory Transparency: All data-related MoUs should be subject to public disclosure and legislative oversight before implementation.
Local Tech Priority: The government must prioritize indigenous software developers over foreign providers to build a self-sustaining digital ecosystem.
To mitigate the risks identified in the FIRS–France deal, the Nigeria Computer Society proposed several actionable steps:
Establish a National Data Sovereignty Policy: Create a framework specifically regulating how foreign entities interact with public sector data.
Parliamentary Oversight: Subject the FIRS–France MoU to a public hearing involving the National Assembly and technical experts.
Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs): Conduct rigorous risk evaluations for every international collaboration to ensure compliance with the NDPA.
Strengthen Local Capacity: Increase funding for Nigerian tech firms to develop homegrown digital tax solutions.
The NCS concluded by reaffirming its role as a watchdog for the nation's ICT sector. Dr. Aliyu noted that the society is "closely monitoring" the situation and stands ready to provide technical guidance to ensure Nigeria’s digital future remains "secure, equitable, and domestically controlled."
Despite FIRS's assurances that no Nigerian data is being shared, the NCS highlighted several "red flags" regarding the lack of transparency and the potential for digital dependence.
"True digital sovereignty ensures that external collaborations do not result in de facto foreign control or influence over strategically important systems and datasets," the NCS stated.
The NCS position paper outlines a clear roadmap for how the Nigerian government should navigate international tech agreements. Central to this is the adherence to the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) 2023.
National Data Ownership: Public and governmental data must remain under Nigerian juridical control at all times.
Data Localization: Critical economic data should be stored and processed within Nigerian borders to prevent foreign jurisdictional claims.
Mandatory Transparency: All data-related MoUs should be subject to public disclosure and legislative oversight before implementation.
Local Tech Priority: The government must prioritize indigenous software developers over foreign providers to build a self-sustaining digital ecosystem.
To mitigate the risks identified in the FIRS–France deal, the Nigeria Computer Society proposed several actionable steps:
Establish a National Data Sovereignty Policy: Create a framework specifically regulating how foreign entities interact with public sector data.
Parliamentary Oversight: Subject the FIRS–France MoU to a public hearing involving the National Assembly and technical experts.
Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs): Conduct rigorous risk evaluations for every international collaboration to ensure compliance with the NDPA.
Strengthen Local Capacity: Increase funding for Nigerian tech firms to develop homegrown digital tax solutions.
The NCS concluded by reaffirming its role as a watchdog for the nation's ICT sector. Dr. Aliyu noted that the society is "closely monitoring" the situation and stands ready to provide technical guidance to ensure Nigeria’s digital future remains "secure, equitable, and domestically controlled."
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