Photo caption: Anthony Okonkwo, Coordinating Director, Services Support Group; M.L Abubakar; Coordinating Director, Compliance and Enforcement Group; Matthew Gbonjubola, Coordinating Director, Medium Taxpayers’ Group; Dick Irri; Chief of Staff, Tayo Koleosho; chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Zacch Adedeji; Coordinating Director, Corporate Services Group, Mrs Bolaji Akintola; Coordinating Director, Special Duties, Tamadi Shettima; Coordinating Director, Large Tax Group, Ms Aminat Ado during the unveiling of the agency’s USSD code *829# at the FIRS headquarters in Abuja, on Wednesday.
By Charles Okonji
In a concerted effort towards enhance ease of doing business, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), has on Wednesday in Abuja, launched an Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) Code *829#, specifically targetted at improving taxpayers’ satisfaction.
According FIRS chairman, Zacch Adedeji, who launched the code at the Revenue House, noted that this initiative was part of activities lined up for 2024 Customer Service Week.
Adedeji pointed out that initiative makes Nigeria the sixth African country to deploy USSD code for simplifying tax payment processes.
As contained in the statement signed by Dare Adekanmbi, Special Adviser on Media to the FIRS chairman, taxpayers on any mobile telecommunication network in the country can now get across to FIRS real-time on issues relating to retrieval of Taxpayers Identification Number (TIN), verification of Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC), information on tax types and rates, locate the nearest FIRS office, as well as getting answers to general tax-related inquiries.
Adedeji stressed that the instant messaging protocol demonstrates further commitment of the agency to simplifying tax administration and ensuring that “every taxpayer, whether in bustling cities or remote areas can engage with FIRS seamlessly.”
He urged taxpayers to enjoy the benefits that the USSD code offers and utilise the code for all their enquiries.
“With the *829# USSD code, taxpayers now have the power to: retrieve their Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), verify their Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC), access information on tax types and rates, locate the nearest FIRS office, and get answers to general tax-related inquiries.
“Without the need for internet access, all of these services are now available with a simple mobile phone. This technological leap reflects our dedication to creating a tax system that is efficient, transparent, and responsive to the needs of taxpayers”, he said.
The agency also launched Customer Centricity Guide, a booklet containing policies, processes and procedures to ensure that FIRS keeps the taxpayers in their rightful position as ‘kings.’
“Equally important is the unveiling of the Customer Centricity Guide. This guide embodies our commitment to putting taxpayers at the centre of our service delivery.
“It outlines the principles and values that will drive our interactions with taxpayers by ensuring that every engagement is defined by respect, professionalism, and efficiency.
“The guide serves as a reminder to us all that the taxpayer is not just a client, but a valued partner in nation-building. Through the combination of the *829# USSD code and the Customer Centricity Guide, we are reinforcing a culture of service excellence and making tax compliance not just a duty but an experience that fosters trust and voluntary participation.
“As we celebrate this achievement, I encourage everyone to make full use of the *829# service and embrace the Customer Centricity Guide. Your feedback will be crucial as we continue to enhance these services and meet the evolving needs of our taxpayers,” he emphasized.
On her part, the national coordinator of Servicom, Nnenna Akajemeli, commended the effort of the FIRS towards taxpayers’ satisfaction, noting that the efforts are evident.
“There are many things to congratulate the FIRS on. One is the launch of the USSD code *829# and the customer centricity guide. These initiatives which are simplifying tax and ensuring that citizens and taxpayers are delighted at the quality of service you render,” she stated.
Also, FIRS Director, Taxpayers’ Service Department, Loveth Onanuga noted the agency recognized that customer-centricity means more than just satisfying customers’ basic wants, but also going “above and beyond what customers anticipate and astonishing them with great service” in line with the theme of the week.
