To improve the taxpayer experience, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) released a new Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) code on Wednesday: *829#.
The code was launched at the Revenue House in Abuja by FIRS Chairman Zacch Adedeji as part of this year’s Customer Service Week, which had the subject “Above and Beyond.”
Nigeria is becoming the sixth country in Africa to implement a USSD code to streamline tax payment procedures.
The code allows taxpayers in Nigeria to access real-time services on any mobile network, according to Dare Adekanmbi, Special Adviser on Media to the FIRS Chairman. These services include retrieving Taxpayer Identification Numbers (TINs), verifying Tax Clearance Certificates (TCCs), learning about tax types and rates, finding the closest FIRS office, and answering general tax-related questions.
Adedeji stressed during the ceremony that the new service allows “every taxpayer—whether in bustling cities or remote areas—to connect with FIRS seamlessly,” reflecting the agency’s aim to make tax administration more accessible. He advised taxpayers to use the USSD code for any inquiries.
The agency unveiled the Customer Centricity Guide, a pamphlet that describes policies, practices, and guidelines intended to guarantee that FIRS treats taxpayers as “kings” and gives them priority.
He stated, “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”
“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.”
Nnenna Akajemeli, Servicom’s national coordinator, praised the FIRS for its dedication to taxpayer satisfaction and emphasized that the outcomes of its work are apparent.
She emphasized the introduction of the Customer Centricity Guide and the USSD code *829# as important efforts that streamline tax procedures and improve the caliber of services offered to citizens and taxpayers.
In the meantime, Loveth Onanuga, the FIRS Director of the Taxpayers’ Service Department, said that the organization recognizes that customer-centricity extends beyond meeting fundamental requirements and strives to surpass expectations and provide excellent service, which is consistent with this week’s theme.
