In continuation of its restructuring to better serve taxpayers, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has unveiled a new slogan and inaugurated a Customer Service Optimisation Committee to promptly address taxpayer inquiries.
At its strategic management retreat earlier this year, the revenue-collecting agency introduced a customer-centric approach that places taxpayers at the center of its operations.
The Executive Chairman of the agency, Zacch Adedeji, upon assuming office last year, emphasized the need for FIRS to render improved services that would change taxpayers’ perceptions and build trust in the agency.
Speaking at the unveiling on Friday, the FIRS chairman announced the new slogan as “Simplifying Tax, Maximising Revenue,” which will replace the old slogan, “It Pays To Pay Your Tax.”
A statement by Sikiru Akinola, Technical Assistant (Media) to the FIRS chairman, noted that the new slogan was the winning entry from Mohammed Gidado, a staff member from one of the agency’s offices in Bauchi State.
The FIRS chairman said the winning slogan, as well as the entries from runners-up, best captured the essence of the agency’s mission and strategic direction.
Regarding the Customer Service Optimisation Committee, the chairman stressed that the committee was established to address the fundamental need for continuous improvement in the agency’s customer service practices.
“In today’s rapidly changing environment, maintaining high standards of customer service is essential to ensure taxpayer satisfaction and compliance.
“This committee will systematically review our current practices, identify areas for improvement, and implement changes that will streamline our processes and enhance overall service delivery.
“The committee will play a pivotal role in building and maintaining public trust in FIRS. By focusing on transparency, efficiency, and responsiveness, we can foster a positive relationship with taxpayers, encouraging voluntary compliance and strengthening the credibility of our institution.
“The committee’s efforts to benchmark against global best practices will ensure that FIRS remains a leader in tax administration both nationally and internationally,” he said.
Earlier, the Chief of Staff to the chairman, Mr. Tayo Koleosho, said the need to adjust some initiatives arose after the strategic reforms carried out by FIRS.
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“Rather than bringing outsiders to do most of our work, we believe we have capable hands who can do this. So, that was why we asked our staff members to take part in the slogan challenge, which produced the best three slogans that best captured our strategic direction.
“We understand that it is important for us to have a unified slogan. Our ‘It pays to pay your taxes’ continues to be true. But as we reform, it is important we note the past, the present, and the future we are heading towards. That’s why we have come forward with a slogan that resonates with the chairman’s agenda.”
About 950 FIRS staff participated in the slogan competition, with three entries selected. The winner and the runners-up were all given plaques and cash prizes.
Shehu Hauwa Abubakar and Sanni Kabiru were runners-up in the competition.
