ABUJA – The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has issued a stern warning against the recently signed digital tax agreement between Nigeria and France, labeling it a potential threat to national sovereignty, data security, and economic independence.
In a strongly-worded statement released on Sunday by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the opposition party demanded the immediate publication of the full agreement or its outright termination, citing a lack of transparency and dangerous geopolitical implications.
The pact, signed by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) on behalf of the Tinubu administration, aims to modernise tax administration. However, the ADC argues that the secretive nature of the deal and its contents pose unacceptable risks.
“Expert assessments point to serious dangers,” the statement read. “The agreement potentially endangers Nigeria’s data security and exposes strategic national economic information to foreign exploitation.”
The party dismissed explanations from the FIRS as insufficient, highlighting that the deal was “hurriedly and secretly packaged,” raising questions about whose interests it truly serves.
A “Business Deal” Shrouded in Secrecy
The ADC framed taxation as a transactional matter requiring mutual benefit and clarity. “The FIRS has told us what Nigeria stands to benefit. However, it has failed to tell us what France stands to gain,” the statement queried.
It challenged the Federal Government’s decision to enter into a pact with significant national security implications without public disclosure, open engagement with the National Assembly, or an effort to carry citizens along.
Geopolitical Tensions and Local Capacity Questioned
The criticism extended beyond technicalities into broader geopolitical concerns. The ADC noted the growing resistance to French influence across West Africa, where former colonies are re-evaluating ties.
“Yet, under the Bola Tinubu administration, Nigeria appears to have become more Francophone than the French,” the party stated, questioning the timing and partner choice.
Furthermore, the party criticised the apparent sidelining of local expertise. “With a plethora of competent and globally acclaimed national service providers in this sector, why does President Tinubu prefer to promote his French connection rather than local capacities?” it asked, arguing that the move contradicts Nigeria’s local content policy.
Call for Transparency or Termination
The ADC asserted that genuine tax reform should strengthen national institutions and build local capacity, not create new dependencies.
“These tax reforms should provide opportunities to strengthen national institutions… not to hand over strategic control of our economic intelligence to external actors,” the statement added.
Consequently, the party has called for urgent corrective action: the full publication of the agreement, a proper briefing of the National Assembly, and an independent assessment of its implications for data security and sovereignty.
“The details of this closed-door arrangement must be published for all to see, or be terminated,” the ADC concluded.
As of press time, the FIRS and the Federal Government had not issued an official response to the ADC’s allegations.
