The Federal Inland Revenue Service has unveiled a new USSD code *829#, aimed at enhancing taxpayer satisfaction and improving the ease of doing business in Nigeria.
The launch, which took place on Wednesday at the FIRS headquarters in Abuja, coincided with the celebration of this year’s Customer Service Week, themed “Above and Beyond.”
Chairman of the FIRS, led the unveiling of the initiative at the Revenue House, Zacch Adedeji, describing it as a step forward in the agency’s ongoing efforts to simplify tax administration and promote transparency.
The USSD code positions Nigeria as the sixth African nation to adopt this technology for streamlining tax payments.
In a statement released by the Special Adviser on Media to the FIRS chairman, Dare Adekanmbi, it was highlighted that taxpayers across Nigeria can now conveniently engage with FIRS through any mobile telecommunications network.
The *829# code allows users to retrieve their Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), verify Tax Clearance Certificates (TCC), obtain information about tax types and rates, locate the nearest FIRS office, and receive answers to general tax inquiries—all in real-time.
During the launch, Adedeji emphasized the importance of the new tool in expanding access to tax-related services, stating, “This instant messaging protocol demonstrates our agency’s commitment to making tax administration more accessible. Whether taxpayers are in the heart of urban areas or more remote locations, FIRS is now more reachable.”
Adedeji encouraged Nigerians to take full advantage of the features offered by the USSD platform, stressing its simplicity and effectiveness. “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,” he said.
He further pointed out that the USSD service does not require internet access, making it highly convenient, especially for taxpayers in areas with limited connectivity.
“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,” Adedeji added.
In addition to the launch of the USSD code, FIRS also introduced a Customer Centricity Guide, a document designed to institutionalize best practices and ensure that taxpayers are treated as essential partners in national development.
The guide outlines the agency’s commitment to fostering respect, professionalism, and efficiency in all its dealings with 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,” said Adedeji.
He emphasized that the guide serves as a constant reminder that taxpayers are not just clients but valued collaborators in building the nation. He encouraged citizens to utilize both the *829# USSD service and the guide, noting that feedback would be key in refining and improving these services further.
The launch event also featured remarks from Nnenna Akajemeli, the National Coordinator of SERVICOM, who commended FIRS for its strides in improving taxpayer satisfaction.
“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,” she remarked.
FIRS Director of the Taxpayers’ Service Department, Loveth Onanuga, echoed this sentiment, highlighting that customer-centricity goes beyond simply meeting taxpayers’ expectations.
“Customer-centricity means more than just satisfying customers’ basic wants, but also going ‘above and beyond’ what customers anticipate and astonishing them with great service,” she explained, aligning the sentiment with the theme of the week.
