Abubakar Siddiq Ibn Usman
The Office of the Tax Ombud has assured Nigerian taxpayers of improved protection and fair treatment as part of efforts to strengthen confidence and encourage voluntary tax compliance.
The assurance was given recently in Abuja during a meeting between the Chief Executive Officer of the Office of the Tax Ombud, Dr John Nwabueze, and members of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, led by its Chairman, Mr Taiwo Oyedele.
Also present at the meeting was the Executive Secretary of the Joint Revenue Board, Mr. Olusegun Adesokan.
R-L: Tax Ombud/CEO, Dr. John C. Nwabueze, Chairman of Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, and Executive Secretary of the Joint Revenue Board, Mr. Olusegun Adesokan, after a meeting recently in Abuja at the Office of the Tax Ombud.
Dr. Nwabueze described the Office of the Tax Ombud as a newly established independent body mandated to mediate disputes, protect taxpayer rights, and promote fairness and transparency within Nigeria’s tax administration.
He said the office would prioritise public awareness and stakeholder engagement to ensure taxpayers understand their rights and obligations under existing tax laws.
According to him, the Ombud plans to work closely with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) and other organised private sector groups to educate taxpayers on complaint procedures and dispute resolution mechanisms.
“We will roll out sustained public enlightenment campaigns to educate taxpayers on their rights and provide seamless channels for lodging complaints,” Dr. Nwabueze said.
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He commended the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms for developing an operational framework for the Office of the Tax Ombud, noting that it aligns with the institution’s internal processes and long-term strategy.
In his remarks, Mr. Oyedele said the effectiveness of the Office of the Tax Ombud would be critical to the success of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s tax reform programme, describing it as a key assurance of fairness and accountability for taxpayers.
He pledged the committee’s continued support to the Ombud, particularly at its formative stage, to enable it to fully discharge its statutory responsibilities.
Discussions at the meeting also focused on strengthening institutional collaboration, improving taxpayer protection, and enhancing policy coordination under the Tax Implementation Framework Committee, as part of broader efforts to reform Nigeria’s tax system.
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