Abubakar Siddiq Ibn Usman
The Office of the Tax Ombud has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting fairness, transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s tax and revenue administration, as key stakeholders called for stronger collaboration and greater taxpayer compliance.
The Tax Ombud/Chief Executive, Dr. John C. Nwabueze, made the call at a stakeholder engagement forum in Abuja themed, “Promoting Fairness, Transparency, and Trust in Tax and Revenue Administration in Nigeria.”
In his welcome address, the Tax Ombud/Chief Executive, Dr. John C. Nwabueze, said effective tax administration must go beyond revenue collection and ensure that taxpayers understand their obligations and are treated fairly.
“Tax administration is not simply about collecting revenue; it is about building a system where taxpayers understand their obligations, feel fairly treated, and trust the institutions responsible. We are here to bridge gaps, protect rights, and ensure that the power to collect is matched by a commitment to fairness and accountability.”
Nwabueze noted that Nigeria was the third African country to adopt the tax ombud mechanism, describing it as an important step towards aligning the country’s tax administration with global best practices and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He said the Office’s services are available to individuals, businesses, small and medium-sized enterprises, tax practitioners and tax authorities, adding that plans were underway to expand its physical presence to all states and eventually local government areas.
According to him, the Office handles operational, procedural and administrative complaints, while disputes over tax assessments fall under the jurisdiction of the Tax Appeal Tribunal.
Nwabueze said the Office has 14 days to resolve complaints, with a possible seven-day extension where necessary, while unresolved matters could be escalated to the National Assembly in accordance with the law.
Addressing concerns about accessibility and impartiality, he said:
“Our institution is impartial, accessible, and most importantly, free to all taxpayers. We are committed to timely, professional mediation and to escalating systemic issues to the highest levels for policy remedies. We call on all stakeholders for increased partnership. The journey to a trusted tax system is a collective one.”
The Tax Ombud also disclosed that a Taxpayer Bill of Rights and Obligations Charter would soon be launched, alongside plans for regional expansion to ensure taxpayers have practical access to effective redress mechanisms.
Read also:Tax Ombud to entertain digital asset complaints, says Chief Executive
Representing the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, Mr. Olufemi Olarinde described the Tax Ombud as a new and independent institution established to address taxpayer grievances, promote systemic reforms and serve as a bridge between taxpayers and revenue authorities.
He commended the Office for its focus on collaboration, digital innovation, accountability, fairness and trust in Nigeria’s tax administration.
Also available at the engagement were representatives from the Corporate Affairs Commission, Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority, Nigerian Shippers’ Council and the FCT Internal Revenue Service.
They all stressed the need for greater transparency, fairness, stakeholder consultation and inter-agency collaboration to strengthen taxpayer confidence, improve compliance and make Nigeria’s tax administration more efficient and responsive.
The engagement featured a panel discussion involving representatives of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, fintech associations and the ICT team of the Office of the Tax Ombud.
The discussions focused on practical measures to strengthen taxpayer confidence, improve dispute resolution, promote digital innovation and deepen collaboration between tax authorities, businesses and other stakeholders.
Agency News
