Nigeria-France Peace Treaty: Facts Vs Fiction

I’ve seen a lot of claims online suggesting Nigeria’s tax treaty with France is some kind of sell-out, as if Nigeria quietly gave away its tax rights. The more I read those claims, the clearer it became that most of them are based on misunderstanding, not facts.

Once you step back from the outrage and actually look at what the treaty is, things become far less dramatic. This is a standard double taxation agreement, the same type Nigeria has with several other countries and the same type France has signed all over the world. Its purpose is simple: to stop the same income from being taxed twice, once where it’s earned and again where the company or individual is based.

Without treaties like this, cross-border business, professional services, investment, and even creative work become messy and expensive. People and companies avoid countries where tax rules are unclear or punitive.

The idea that this treaty strips Nigeria of its taxing rights doesn’t stand up to basic scrutiny. Nigeria still taxes income earned here, especially where there is real economic activity or a permanent presence. The treaty doesn’t remove that power, it just clarifies who taxes what and how relief is given.

That doesn’t mean the treaty is perfect. It’s an old agreement and doesn’t reflect today’s digital economy. But that’s a case for updating and better enforcement, not for calling it a betrayal.

With a little research, it becomes clear this isn’t about selling Nigeria out. It’s about using a common international tool properly, and understanding it before condemning it.