Agency News
Ibn Usman Abubakar Siddiq
The Tax Ombud and Chief Executive of the Office of the Tax Ombud, John Nwabueze, has called for stronger collaboration with the media to deepen public awareness of taxpayer rights and promote voluntary tax compliance across the country.
Nwabueze made the call during a breakfast meeting with members of the Finance Correspondents Association of Nigeria (FICAN) in Abuja, where he emphasized the role of the media in educating Nigerians on tax reforms, taxpayer responsibilities, and available dispute-resolution mechanisms.
He described taxation as a civic obligation and stressed the need for a fair, transparent, and efficient tax administration system capable of improving Nigeria’s tax-to-GDP ratio.
According to him, many taxpayers have historically lacked accessible channels to seek redress over issues such as multiple taxation, arbitrary assessments, and overlapping demands from government agencies.
The Tax Ombud said the establishment of the Office of the Tax Ombud under the administration of President Bola Tinubu was designed to address such concerns by providing an independent platform for resolving tax-related disputes through mediation and other alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.
Read also:Senate intensifies N210tn NNPCL probe, orders Kyari’s arrest
Nwabueze also highlighted the recent launch of the Office’s website, call centre, and digital case management portal, which he said would enable taxpayers, businesses, and other stakeholders to submit complaints, access information, and track cases in real time.
He urged media practitioners to support ongoing efforts to educate the public on taxpayer rights and encourage the use of the Office’s complaint-resolution channels.
The Tax Ombud further expressed confidence that closer cooperation between the Office and the media would strengthen public trust in Nigeria’s tax system, enhance taxpayer protection, and support sustainable revenue generation for national development.
