The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has taken a significant step toward improving tax payment systems in Nigeria with the introduction of a new USSD code, *829#. This initiative was presented by the FIRS Chairman, Zacch Adedeji, during the agency’s Customer Service Week held in Abuja under the theme “Above and Beyond.” By launching this user-friendly system, FIRS aims to simplify the tax payment process for Nigerians and enhance taxpayer satisfaction, demonstrating a commitment to making the business environment more accommodating for compliance with tax regulations. Adedeji’s announcement marked Nigeria as the sixth African country to implement such a system, indicating a regional trend toward modernizing tax administration.
This new USSD service allows Nigerian taxpayers on any mobile network to access a range of real-time services intended to ease communication with FIRS. Through *829#, users can retrieve their Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), verify their Tax Clearance Certificate, inquire about different tax types and rates, locate the nearest FIRS office, and get answers to general tax-related queries. This innovative method ensures that all citizens, regardless of their location—be it urban or rural—can easily engage with tax services, thus eliminating barriers that may have previously hindered compliance. Adedeji emphasized this achievement, suggesting that the platform is a significant leap toward creating a more efficient, transparent, and taxpayer-friendly tax system.
Moreover, the FIRS introduced the Customer Centricity Guide alongside the USSD code, reinforcing the agency’s commitment to prioritizing taxpayer needs within its operations. This booklet outlines the essential policies, processes, and procedures intended to reshape the relationship between the FIRS and the taxpayers, emphasizing respect, professionalism, and efficiency in all interactions. By designating taxpayers as “valued partners in nation-building,” the guide serves not only as a manual for service delivery but also as a cultural shift in how the agency views its mission. This focus on customer-centric principles indicates a broader strategy to improve taxpayer relations and compliance.
The combination of the USSD code and the Customer Centricity Guide reflects FIRS’s efforts to create an environment where tax compliance is regarded as a positive experience rather than a burdensome obligation. Adedeji encouraged taxpayers to take full advantage of the new services, recognizing that feedback is integral to the evolution of these offerings. By promoting these initiatives, FIRS aims to build trust among taxpayers, transforming compliance into a collaborative process that is beneficial for both the agency and the citizens it serves.
In highlighting this innovation, FIRS is not only modernizing its tax collection processes but also setting a precedent for other government agencies in Nigeria and across Africa. Embracing technology for public service delivery is an essential aspect of improving operational efficiency and taxpayer satisfaction. The responsiveness to taxpayers’ needs through practical solutions like the *829# USSD code emphasizes the urgency and necessity of adapting to the digital age, aligning with trends that cater to increased mobility and accessibility in public administration.
In conclusion, the introduction of the *829# USSD code and the accompanying Customer Centricity Guide are landmark initiatives for the FIRS that signify a transformative approach to tax administration in Nigeria. Through these measures, the agency is not just enhancing the ease of tax payments but also fostering a culture of service excellence that promotes transparency, efficiency, and mutual respect between the government and its citizens. As Nigeria continues to embrace technological advancements, these efforts lay the groundwork for a more engaged and compliant taxpayer base, ultimately contributing to the nation’s economic growth and development.
