Dr John Nwabueze, the Chief Executive and Tax Ombud of the Office of the Tax Ombud, has reaffirmed the Office’s dedication to advancing justice and transparency within Nigeria’s tax system.
Dr. Nwabueze gave a speech at the third-quarter Breakfast Meeting with business editors in Lagos, highlighting the Office’s significant achievements and outlining its future goals. The Tax Ombud highlighted the Office’s progress thus far, stating that the introduction of a digital complaints portal, a case management system, a toll-free call center, and SMS callback services has greatly enhanced taxpayers’ access to its services.
According to him, these innovations have made it easier for individuals and businesses to file complaints and obtain timely resolutions.
He said: “Within three months, the Office received over 20 genuine complaints, most of them involving state revenue services. Of these, eight have been successfully resolved, all within the statutory 14-day resolution period, with provision for an additional seven days where necessary. “The Office has expanded capacity of its skilled accountants and legal experts to handle complex tax matters, including disputes relating to digital asset taxation, should such cases arise. We are also enhancing accessibility at the grassroots through plans to establish offices across all six geopolitical zones.”
He said the Office has intensified engagement with professional bodies, the media, revenue authorities, and other stakeholders, while also planning a nationwide public sensitisation campaign to address persistent issues such as multiple-taxation.
Speaking on efforts to address systemic issues, Dr. Nwabueze stressed that multiple taxation, particularly at the state and local government levels, is receiving the attention of the Federal Government.
He commended President Bola Tinubu for establishing an independent tax ombudsman institution to strengthen voluntary tax compliance and build public trust in Nigeria’s tax administration. Politics
“Multiple taxation is an endemic issue that we are determined to address by engaging all relevant stakeholders, including the Joint Revenue Board, state governments, and local government authorities. Through collaboration and policy engagement, we are working towards sustainable solutions,” the Tax Ombud stated.
He reiterated that the Office’s core mandate is to provide impartial mediation, ensuring fairness, accountability, and justice for both taxpayers and tax authorities. Recognising the media as a critical partner, Dr. Nwabueze called for sustained collaboration, noting that “Public awareness remains our greatest challenge. “We urge the media and all stakeholders to help disseminate information about our services so that every Nigerian taxpayer is aware of their rights and knows where to seek redress whenever necessary,” he said.
