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.”

FinTech Nigeria (FintechNGR) the umbrella body of financial technology services providers in Nigeria is seeking more investors who see the long-term value of Africa.

Mr. Ade Bajomo, President, FinTechNGR, stated this in his opening remarks at the 7th Nigeria Fintech Week in Lagos.

“Also, we need regulators who foster a supportive environment for innovation. And most importantly, we need a generation of talented fintech entrepreneurs who are passionate about making a difference,” he said.

This is coming against the backdrop of dwindling investments in Fintechs in the continent. Mr. Ade Bajomo, quoting Elevandi report in the first half of 202: “investments in the fintech sector in Africa declined significantly, dropping 77% to US$186 million from US$826 million in 1H 2023. The number of deals decreased 30% year-on-year and average deal size fell to US$4 million in 1H 2024 from US$10.5 million in 1H 2023.

“Nigeria, Cote d’Ivoire, and South Africa remained the primary recipients of FinTech funding, with their combined contribution of 76% in Q2 2024”.

According to him, “As an industry, we still have several growth opportunities and must up the game in identifying and delivering these, diversifying from payments which have and continue to play a critical role in driving financial inclusion, into broader areas where technology can drive inclusive growth such as InsureTech, InvestTech, AgriTech, EdTech & HealthTech to name a few.

“Of course, with great opportunity comes great responsibility. Challenges posed by inadequate infrastructure, such as limited internet connectivity and unreliable power supply, the need for skilled talent in the fintech industry, exponential rate of increase in electronic fraud (N43bn in Q2 2024), identity theft and with 40 million Nigerians (and 350 million Africans) still financially excluded leave numerous opportunities for our ecosystem to exploit for inclusive growth. Imagine the resulting socio-economic upside of resolving these challenges?

“Though we are facing a period of investment drought and cost of living challenges, we must stay focused on our goals to leverage fintech as a tool for socio-economic development and exploit every opportunity that innovation, technology and leadership can deliver to improve governance, processes, and scale.

“As Peter Drucker said, results are gained by exploiting opportunities. The time is here to exploit the opportunities of the moment and gain the thrust to drive the growth of our fintech ecosystem.

“At FinTechNGR, we have and will continue to play our part in connecting, accelerating the growth of and advocating for Fintechs and in this respect we will continue to:

◦ Deepen relationships with regulators to co-develop policies and address issues that impact the Fintech ecosystem pro-actively.

◦ Enhance our feedback system to understand how best to assist members with regulators and advocate for them as appropriate

◦ Drive the adoption of the Fintech Certification Program, which was developed in collaboration with the Chartered Institute of Bankers in October 2023 to address the acute skills gap in the ecosystem and strengthen governance structures,” he stated.