Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), has launched an Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) Code *829# specifically targeted at improving taxpayers’ satisfaction.

This is in a bid to enhance ease of doing business, according to Zacch Adedeji, chairman, FIRS who launched the code at the Revenue House in Abuja as part of activities making this year’s Customer Service Week which has the theme Above and Beyond.

The initiative makes Nigeria the sixth African country to deploy USSD code for simplifying tax payment processes.

A statement by Dare Adekanmbi, special adviser on Media to the FIRS chairman said taxpayers on any mobile telecommunication network in the country can now get across to FIRS real-time on issues relating to retrieval of Taxpayers Identification Number (TIN), verification of Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC), information on tax types and rates, locate the nearest FIRS office, and as well as get answers to general tax-related inquiries.

Speaking at the ceremony, Adedeji said the instant messaging protocol demonstrated further commitment of the agency to simplifying tax administration and ensuring that “every taxpayer—whether in bustling cities or remote areas—can engage with FIRS seamlessly.”

He called on taxpayers to enjoy the benefits tat the USSD code offers and utilise the code for all their enquiries.

“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.

“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”, he said.

The agency also launched Customer Centricity Guide, a booklet containing policies, processes and procedures to ensure that FIRS keeps the taxpayers in their rightful position as ‘kings.’

“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.

“It outlines the principles and values that will drive our interactions with taxpayers by ensuring that every engagement is defined by respect, professionalism, and efficiency.

“The guide serves as a reminder to us all that the taxpayer is not just a client, but a valued partner in nation-building. Through the combination of the *829# USSD code and the Customer Centricity Guide, we are reinforcing a culture of service excellence and making tax compliance not just a duty but an experience that fosters trust and voluntary participation.

“As we celebrate this achievement, I encourage everyone to make full use of the *829# service and embrace the Customer Centricity Guide. Your feedback will be crucial as we continue to enhance these services and meet the evolving needs of our taxpayers,” he said.

Nnenna Akajemeli, national coordinator of Servicom, praised the effort of the FIRS towards taxpayers’ satisfaction, noting that the efforts are evident.

“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 which are simplifying tax and ensuring that citizens and taxpayers are delighted at the quality of service you render,” she said.

Loveth Onanuga, director, Taxpayers’ Service Department,  FIRS, noted the agency recognized that 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” in line with the theme of the week.

Interswitch, one of Africa’s leading integrated payment and digital commerce companies has partnered Thales, a global leader in digital and data security solutions, to launch CipherTrust Data Security Solution, an advanced data security solution designed to protect organisations from data breaches and threats.

The cutting-edge platform was unveiled at a Customer Engagement Forum that held recently at The Wheatbaker Hotel in Lagos, which drew Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs), Chief Information Officers (CIOs), and Compliance and Risk executives from diverse industries including banks – both commercial and microfinance banks, and fintechs. .

The summit featured insightful discussions and presentations by industry thought leaders and experts, focusing on latest data security trends, data threats and breaches faced by businesses, especially in the financial ecosystem, strategies for mitigating them, and the critical role of robust data security measures in protecting organisations.

Giving his keynote address, Vice President, Financial Services, Interswitch Group, Tyoyila Aga, highlighted the importance of leveraging cutting-edge technology for data protection, emphasizing the need for compliance and collaboration in the data security ecosystem.

“Our partnership with Thales exemplifies our commitment to leverage cutting-edge technology to protect our clients and partners. Regulatory frameworks around data security are becoming increasingly stringent, and organisations must ensure they are in full compliance to avoid penalties and protect their reputation.

The CipherTrust Data Security platform is designed with these challenges in mind, offering comprehensive compliance features that make it easier for organisations to adhere to local and international regulations. Keep in mind that data security is a collective responsibility andit requires collaboration across industries, sectors, and borders,” Aga said.

He buttressed that the data security solution combines Interswitch’s expertise in payment solutions with Thales’ advanced data security capabilities, providing unparalleled protection for organisations’ sensitive information. He said: “This platform offers a comprehensive suite of tools, including advanced encryption, key management, and access controls, to safeguard sensitive data across all environments, whether on-premises, in the cloud, or hybrid.”

In the mood of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, Christopher Budd, Director Sophos X-Ops, has compiled some tips for staying secure online.

 Below is a detailed guide on how to stay secure in today’s online world:

Cybersecurity Pro Tips:

• Face Scans and Fingerprints are Safer Than Passcodes: Use features like Face ID or fingerprint scans for your devices as much as possible. These are safer than passcodes and devices have good built-in protections for this sensitive information.

·         Use Multi-Factor Authentication: Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) whenever possible. This gives an important extra layer of security that makes it harder for cybercriminals to access your accounts. If you can’t use something more secure like secure authenticator applications or physical hardware security keys, use your phone number — it’s safer than using nothing. If you use MFA for only one thing, use it for your email: that’s what attackers want the most.

·         Think Before You Share Publicly: Think twice before sharing any information publicly –cybercriminals can use it to access your accounts or to convince someone that they’re you.

o   Think about those cute surveys on Facebook with questions about your first car, city you were born in: these are the same kinds of info cybercriminals can use to pretend they’re you and log into and take over your accounts.

·         You Don’t Always Need (to keep) the App: Don’t feel pressured to download an app every time: you can often use the service’s website just as well. Apps collect much more data than websites, including your location, your contact list and other info you might not want to share.If you do download an app, think about deleting it when you’re done using it: you can always reinstall it next time you need it.

·         Beware of Apps You Get Outside of the Big-Name App Stores: Apps from app stores and websites that aren’t the official big names ones like Google Play, Apple’s App Store, Samsung’s Galaxy Store can be very risky. The official stores have security and privacy standards that can identify malicious activity. Always stick to official sources for downloading apps or, if they’re not on the official app stores, download the app from the developer’s official website or use the app’s web version.

·  Be On Your Guard for Unexpected Emails and Text Messages: Phishing continues to be one of the most effective tactics cybercriminals use to compromise consumers. If you get an unexpected email or text message, ignore it or at least don’t interact with it (don’t open attachments, don’t click on links). If you think it might be legitimate, reach out directly to who you think sent it and check with them.

·Question Urgency in Emails and Calls: Cybercriminals use urgency to get you to let your guard down and make bad decisions. If someone contacts you saying they’re from a trusted organization like the IRS, police or your bank and need you to take action quickly or something bad will happen, stop and question it. Go to the trusted source like the number on the back of your credit card to independently validate the request.

· Practice Good Password Security: Every account should have its own unique complex password. A strong password is at least 12 characters long with a mix of numbers, upper- and lower-case letters, and punctuation characters. Passwords should not be based on any personal information, and the best ones use a phrase rather than single words. If these passwords are too tough to juggle, try a password manager to stay organized.

· Keep Everything Updated and Run Security Tools. Make sure all your apps and devices are always fully updated. Be sure to have some sort of security software on all of your phones and computers (even if you have a Mac).

• Get Rid of End-of-Life Devices and Software: Everything from operating systems to services to Wi-Fi routers “go stale” and must be replaced eventually. For example, it might surprise you, but your internet router is typically only supported with patches and updates for a few years after you get it. Attackers love out-of-date devices. When something is “out of support” it’s stale: get rid of it and replace it with something fresh.

· Back Up Your Data: While ransomware groups are mostly after businesses that can pay higher ransoms, they still go after people at home. It’s still important to have your data backed up so that you don’t have to consider paying a ransom.

Put Your Mind at Ease Regarding These Cybersecurity Concerns

Part of staying secure requires being able to filter out the noise and prioritize the security actions that matter. Here are things not to worry about. Focus your energy on real risks, not exaggerated threats.

· Public Wi-Fi is Safer Than You Think: Contrary to outdated advice, public Wi-Fi is generally safe due to encryption used by most websites and apps. Use it freely at airports or coffee shops, but avoid sensitive activities.

· Beware of Fearmongering Around New Tech Features: Not every new technology is as risky as it’s made out to be. For example, Apple’s NameDrop feature is generally safe and requires specific conditions to function. However, if you’re concerned, you can easily turn it off in settings.

·  Stop Stressing Over Public Chargers: The risk of “juice jacking” (data theft from public chargers) is extremely low. Don’t worry about using public phone chargers — just focus on real, more prevalent threats.