Discover how FIRS’s customer-centric approach is transforming tax administration in Nigeria with innovative technology and taxpayer engagement
[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) of Nigeria, under the leadership of Dr Zacch Adedeji, has made remarkable strides in adopting a customer-centric approach to tax administration.
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This initiative prioritises the needs of both internal customers—FIRS staff—and external customers, including taxpayers, to streamline service delivery and foster compliance.
Here is an in-depth look at the steps taken to enhance customer focus:
1. Capacity Building:
FIRS has invested in continuous staff training to improve efficiency in customer service and policy implementation.
Efforts to strengthen institutional processes aim to eliminate administrative delays and optimise operations.
2. Taxpayer Education and Engagement:
To bridge the information gap, FIRS conducts workshops and public awareness campaigns, educating taxpayers on their rights and responsibilities.
Regular memos inform the public about updates in tax laws, ensuring that compliance is simplified.
3. Digitisation and Automation of Services:
Through platforms like TaxPro Max, taxpayers can seamlessly register, file, and pay taxes online. Digital tools such as mobile applications, USSD codes, and an improved website offer round-the-clock support, while social media and email channels handle inquiries promptly.
4. Taxpayer Advocacy Services:
Taxpayer service desks and dedicated assistance points, such as TaxPro Max helpdesks, provide personalised support nationwide. Collaborative efforts with professional associations further enhance service delivery.
5. Simplified Tax Processes:
FIRS continuously reforms its systems to make tax filing and payments easier. Measures like extended filing deadlines, palliatives on penalties, and tax waivers incentivise voluntary compliance.
6. Responsive Policy Adjustments:
Frequent reviews of tax laws ensure alignment with economic realities and global best practices. Dispute resolution mechanisms facilitate amicable conflict resolution, fostering trust among taxpayers.
Future Outlook:
FIRS is committed to innovation and efficiency in its operations. The adoption of cutting-edge technology, including artificial intelligence and blockchain, is expected to enhance transparency and fraud prevention.
By promoting voluntary compliance through consistent service delivery and trust-building measures, FIRS aims to empower taxpayers.
The agency is also strengthening international collaborations with bodies like the OECD to adopt global tax standards.
Expanding the tax net to include the informal sector and gig economy will further mobilise revenue, ensuring Nigeria’s fiscal sustainability.
The Federal Inland Revenue Service is on a transformative journey towards becoming a taxpayer-focused organisation.
Also read: Nigeria introduces tax reliefs to boost deep offshore oil and gas production
Leveraging technology, stakeholder engagement, and responsive policies, it is setting new benchmarks for tax administration in Africa.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
