Tax committee, Ombudsman partner to protect Taxpayers’ Rights

In a move to bolster fair tax administration and increase public trust, the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee (PFPTRC) has announced a strategic partnership with the Office of the Tax Ombud.

The collaboration, aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ongoing fiscal reform agenda, aims to provide taxpayers with a transparent mediation platform to resolve disputes without the need for expensive legal battles.

Following a high-level meeting recently, Dr. John C. Nwabueze, the Tax Ombud/CEO, described his office as a critical “mediation safety net” for the Nigerian economy.

The office is tasked with receiving and resolving complaints regarding a wide range of fiscal burdens, including: Standard taxes and levies, Customs duties and Excessive charges and related administrative issues

Dr. Nwabueze emphasized that the services are available to everyone from small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to large multinational corporations.

“Nigerian taxpayers can now save the cost of arbitration while still obtaining justice by resolving their tax complaints through the Office,” he stated.

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The Chairman of the PFPTRC, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, noted that the engagement is vital for the successful rollout of Nigeria’s new tax laws. He categorized the Office of the Tax Ombud as an independent and impartial body designed specifically to protect rights and build systemic trust.

“Our engagement focused on collaboration with the Tax Ombud, given his critical role in ensuring that the reforms deliver not just better tax systems, but a fairer and more responsive tax administration,” Oyedele said.

Under the new framework, the Tax Ombud acts as a neutral third party between tax authorities and the public. By prioritizing mediation and advocacy, the office seeks to resolve complaints quickly and fairly, reducing the friction often associated with tax collection in Nigeria.

The partnership signals a shift in the government’s approach toward a more “taxpayer-centric” model, where compliance is encouraged through transparency rather than just enforcement.