The code was launched on Wednesday by FIRS Chairman Zacch Adedeji at the Revenue House in Abuja, as part of the 2024 Customer Service Week celebrations themed “Above and Beyond.”

A statement from the FIRS signed by Dare Adekanmbi, Special Adviser on Media to the FIRS chairman said Nigeria has become the sixth African nation to adopt USSD technology for simplifying tax administration.

The service aims to provide easy, real-time access to essential tax information and services without the need for internet connectivity, further promoting accessibility across urban and rural areas.

The USSD code allows taxpayers to retrieve their Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), verify their Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC), access information on tax types and rates, locate FIRS offices, and address general tax-related inquiries. The service is available on all mobile networks in Nigeria, offering a simplified means for citizens to manage their tax obligations.

At the launch, Adedeji emphasized the importance of this development, stating, “This technological leap reflects our dedication to creating a tax system that is efficient, transparent, and responsive to the needs of taxpayers.” He encouraged all citizens to utilize the USSD service for ease of access to tax services.

The FIRS also unveiled its Customer Centricity Guide, a manual outlining policies, processes, and procedures aimed at placing taxpayers at the center of its operations. The guide emphasizes respect, professionalism, and efficiency, ensuring that taxpayers are treated as key partners in nation-building.

Adedeji highlighted that the guide and the USSD code represent FIRS’s commitment to service excellence, noting that both initiatives are designed to foster trust and encourage voluntary tax compliance. “The taxpayer is not just a client but a valued partner,” he said, reinforcing the importance of collaboration between FIRS and Nigerian taxpayers.

Nnenna Akajemeli, National Coordinator of Servicom, commended FIRS for its efforts to enhance taxpayer services, recognizing the launch of the USSD code and Customer Centricity Guide as significant strides in simplifying tax compliance and improving public engagement. She remarked, “These initiatives ensure that citizens and taxpayers are delighted at the quality of service you render.”

Kashifu Inuwa, NITDA’s Director General, made this declaration when he gave an opening remark at the maiden edition of the agency’s Customer Engagement event held at the eGovernment Training Centre, Kubwa, Abuja.

The DG who was represented by Mr. Bernard Ewah, the agency’s Acting Director, eGovernment Development and Regulations department, stated that getting feedback from customers on the activities of the Agency would not only help the Agency understand what the services mean to it but also help to improve on service delivery.

“At NITDA, our mandate requires that we ensure that the public including institutions of government, individuals and businesses are able to utilise technology to further their individual and collective aspirations and to promote the wellbeing of the society”, he stated.

While laying emphasis on the Agency’s commitment to rendering excellent service delivery to its customers, Inuwa gave insights into the impact some of these services have made on the nation’s economy.

“Today, NITDA has cleared 272 projects for 70 Federal Public Institutions (FPIs) and cleared 300 projects for 81 organisations. In the process, NITDA has saved the Federal Government 10.6 Billion Naira”, he disclosed.

He noted that the ability to enhance the impact of ICT projects rank highest in the growth of the IT clearance process while stating categorically that improving the quality of services offered by the government using technology will enhance the ability of civil servants to discharge their duties efficiently as well as enhance the capacity of citizens to access government services promptly.

The NITDA also said that the registration of ICT companies is another service the Agency has been offering to citizens and mentioned that out of the 1,298 applications received by the Agency since its inception, a total of 1,168 have been registered.

While urging customers to utilise all information provided on the Agency’s website and social media platforms, he promised the Agency’s commitment to improving its service delivery.

“We have introduced new measures to improve on our services and I am delighted to inform you that these platforms are being upgraded. By the end of the first quarter next year when our platforms are fully upgraded, we would be able to address some of the areas causing delays and will begin to issue electronic certificates”, he concluded.

In her goodwill message, Mrs. Nnenna Akajemeli, the National Coordinator of SERVICOM, who was represented by the Commission’s operations team lead, Mrs. Ngozi Akinbodewa expressed her satisfaction with the work done so far by NITDA.

She said service delivery cannot be effective without feedback from internal customers and external stakeholders, she said that NITDA has done incredibly well in excellent service delivery.

“Actually, I am also your customer because I am part of those that registered for IT Clearance and I can start giving you my feedback that the portal is very interactive. You are doing a lot to ensure that services are delivered effectively at NITDA”, she stated.

While delivering her welcome address earlier, Mrs. Tariundu Ndoni, the Nodal Officer of the Agency’s SERVICOM Unit, appreciated the DG for his support to the Unit in organising the engagement.

Asserting physical engagement as one of the best practices, she said that it would allow a more interactive aura where the experiences of customers regarding services rendered would be made known to the agency.

“We look forward to us being candid in our needs so that they can be evaluated and addressed to satisfy our customer’s expectations”, the SERVICOM officer added.