The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has introduced a new Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) code, *829#, designed to enhance taxpayer satisfaction and streamline tax-related services.
The code was launched on Wednesday by FIRS Chairman Zacch Adedeji at the Revenue House in Abuja, as part of the 2024 Customer Service Week celebrations themed “Above and Beyond.”
A statement from the FIRS signed by Dare Adekanmbi, Special Adviser on Media to the FIRS chairman said Nigeria has become the sixth African nation to adopt USSD technology for simplifying tax administration.
The service aims to provide easy, real-time access to essential tax information and services without the need for internet connectivity, further promoting accessibility across urban and rural areas.
The USSD code allows taxpayers to retrieve their Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), verify their Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC), access information on tax types and rates, locate FIRS offices, and address general tax-related inquiries. The service is available on all mobile networks in Nigeria, offering a simplified means for citizens to manage their tax obligations.
At the launch, Adedeji emphasized the importance of this development, stating, “This technological leap reflects our dedication to creating a tax system that is efficient, transparent, and responsive to the needs of taxpayers.” He encouraged all citizens to utilize the USSD service for ease of access to tax services.
The FIRS also unveiled its Customer Centricity Guide, a manual outlining policies, processes, and procedures aimed at placing taxpayers at the center of its operations. The guide emphasizes respect, professionalism, and efficiency, ensuring that taxpayers are treated as key partners in nation-building.
Adedeji highlighted that the guide and the USSD code represent FIRS’s commitment to service excellence, noting that both initiatives are designed to foster trust and encourage voluntary tax compliance. “The taxpayer is not just a client but a valued partner,” he said, reinforcing the importance of collaboration between FIRS and Nigerian taxpayers.
Nnenna Akajemeli, National Coordinator of Servicom, commended FIRS for its efforts to enhance taxpayer services, recognizing the launch of the USSD code and Customer Centricity Guide as significant strides in simplifying tax compliance and improving public engagement. She remarked, “These initiatives ensure that citizens and taxpayers are delighted at the quality of service you render.”
Loveth Onanuga, Director of FIRS’s Taxpayers’ Service Department, echoed the agency’s commitment to exceeding taxpayer expectations by delivering exceptional service. She noted that FIRS aims to astonish taxpayers with the quality of support provided aligned with the “Above and Beyond” theme of Customer Service Week.
