In a major step to improve the ease of doing business in Nigeria, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) launched a new USSD code aimed at enhancing taxpayer satisfaction.
The new USSD code, 829, will allow taxpayers to access important tax services from their mobile phones without needing internet access.
FIRS Chairman, Zacch Adedeji, officially launched the service on Wednesday at the FIRS headquarters in Abuja during this year’s Customer Service Week, themed “Above and Beyond.”
The initiative positions Nigeria as the sixth African country to use a USSD code for tax services, reflecting the country’s ongoing efforts to simplify tax administration.
Taxpayers can now use the 829 USSD code to perform a range of services on any mobile network in the country.
This includes retrieving their Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), verifying their Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC), obtaining information about different types of taxes and rates, and even locating the nearest FIRS office.
The USSD code will also help taxpayers get immediate answers to general tax-related inquiries.
Adedeji explained that this new service is part of FIRS’s commitment to making tax administration easier for every Nigerian, whether they live in major cities or remote areas.
He emphasized that the goal of the USSD code is to enable seamless interaction with FIRS for all taxpayers.
“Now, with the 829 USSD code, taxpayers have the power to retrieve their TIN, verify their TCC, access tax information, and more—all without needing internet access,” Adedeji said.
He added, “This technological advancement shows our dedication to creating a tax system that is efficient, transparent, and responsive to the needs of taxpayers.”
The FIRS is looking to revolutionize tax administration by reducing the challenges taxpayers face in accessing tax services.
One of the major benefits of the USSD code is that it doesn’t require a smartphone or internet connection.
This means that even people in remote areas, who may not have access to the internet, can now easily interact with FIRS.
This move is expected to increase voluntary tax compliance, as the easier it is to access tax information, the more likely people are to fulfill their tax obligations.
At the same event, FIRS also introduced a Customer Centricity Guide—a booklet that outlines policies and procedures aimed at ensuring taxpayers receive top-notch services.
The guide reinforces the FIRS’s commitment to treating taxpayers not just as clients, but as partners in nation-building.
Adedeji highlighted the importance of the guide, stating that it emphasizes respect, professionalism, and efficiency in all interactions with taxpayers.
“The Customer Centricity Guide serves as a reminder to us all that the taxpayer is not just a client, but a valued partner in nation-building,” he said.
The guide is designed to improve customer service and ensure that every taxpayer interaction with FIRS is positive, efficient, and productive.
The launch of the USSD code and the Customer Centricity Guide are part of FIRS’s broader efforts to create a taxpayer-friendly system.
Adedeji urged taxpayers to make full use of the new service and to provide feedback so that FIRS can continue improving its offerings.
“As we celebrate this achievement, I encourage everyone to make full use of the 829 service and embrace the Customer Centricity Guide,” he said.
“Your feedback will be crucial as we continue to enhance these services and meet the evolving needs of our taxpayers,” he added.
The national coordinator of SERVICOM, Nnenna Akajemeli, praised the efforts of FIRS, particularly the launch of the USSD code and the customer centricity guide.
“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 are simplifying tax and ensuring that citizens and taxpayers are delighted at the quality of service you render,” Akajemeli said.
Her comments reflect the wide recognition of FIRS’s commitment to improving tax administration and providing services that meet the expectations of Nigerian taxpayers.
The Director of the FIRS Taxpayers’ Service Department, Loveth Onanuga, emphasized that the agency’s goal is not just to meet taxpayer expectations but to exceed them.
Speaking during the event, she said that the theme of the week, “Above and Beyond,” is a reflection of the agency’s drive to deliver exceptional service.
Onanuga noted that FIRS aims to provide services that go beyond what taxpayers expect, in a bid to surprise and delight them with an outstanding experience.