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In a bid to enhance ease of doing business and improve taxpayer experience across Nigeria, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has introduced a new USSD code, *829#, enabling citizens to access various tax services directly via their mobile phones. This initiative, designed to streamline tax administration, was launched at the FIRS Revenue House in Abuja on Wednesday by the FIRS Chairman, Zacch Adedeji, during a ceremony to mark Customer Service Week, themed “Above and Beyond.”
Dare Adekanmbi, Special Adviser on Media to the FIRS Chairman, made the announcement in a statement, highlighting Nigeria’s position as the sixth African nation to implement a USSD platform for tax payment and services. This move places the country at the forefront of digital tax administration on the continent.
The *829# code is designed to allow taxpayers to perform several key functions without the need for internet access. These include retrieving their Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), verifying their Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC), obtaining information on tax types and rates, locating the nearest FIRS office, and addressing general tax-related queries.
At the launch, Mr. Adedeji emphasized the importance of making tax administration accessible to all citizens, regardless of their location. He stated, “This USSD code is a significant step in ensuring that every taxpayer—whether in bustling cities or remote areas—can engage with FIRS effortlessly.”
Mr. Adedeji further highlighted the practical benefits of the *829# code, describing it as a tool to empower Nigerians by offering instant access to essential tax services. “This technological leap reflects our dedication to creating a tax system that is efficient, transparent, and responsive to the needs of taxpayers,” he added.
In addition to the USSD code, FIRS introduced the Customer Centricity Guide, a booklet aimed at reinforcing the agency’s commitment to treating taxpayers as partners in nation-building. The guide outlines policies and procedures designed to ensure that taxpayers receive respectful, professional, and efficient service, placing them at the center of the agency’s operations.
Loveth Onanuga, Director of FIRS Taxpayers’ Service Department, echoed this sentiment, stressing the agency’s commitment to offering not just satisfactory, but exceptional service to taxpayers.
The National Coordinator of Servicom, Nnenna Akajemeli, also lauded FIRS for its efforts to prioritize taxpayer satisfaction. “The launch of the USSD code *829# and the Customer Centricity Guide are clear steps toward simplifying tax processes and ensuring that citizens are delighted with the quality of service rendered,” she remarked.
This initiative signals FIRS’ continued push for innovation and customer-focused solutions as part of its broader mission to modernize Nigeria’s tax system and foster greater compliance and participation across the country.
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