The newly established Tax Ombud has pledged to protect both corporate and individual taxpayers from unfair administrative practices while helping to build greater trust between the government and the public.
Speaking at an executive breakfast meeting with senior business editors in Lagos, the Chief Executive/Tax Ombud, Dr. John Nwabueze, said the office was created to ensure fairness, due process and quicker resolution of tax-related disputes without the need for expensive court proceedings.
The Tax Ombud was established under Part VI of the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Act 2025, at a time when the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the fiscal reforms led by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, are expanding Nigeria’s tax base and boosting domestic revenue generation.
Nwabueze stressed that while tax collection is essential for economic growth, the process must remain fair and should not discourage businesses or other productive sectors of the economy.
He said the agency is designed to promote a stronger relationship between taxpayers and government by ensuring that the tax system is transparent, responsive and equitable.
According to him, the Tax Ombud will monitor administrative conduct, mediate tax disputes, identify weaknesses in tax administration and safeguard the rights of taxpayers.
He clarified, however, that the office does not determine tax liabilities or replace the statutory functions of the Tax Appeal Tribunal (TAT) or the courts.
To improve access to its services, Nwabueze announced that the agency will launch a dedicated digital portal and call centre in the coming weeks. The platform will enable taxpayers to file complaints, monitor the progress of dispute resolution and obtain guidance on tax-related procedures.
He also called on the media to help close the information gap between tax authorities and the business community, noting that public trust will be central to the success of Nigeria’s ongoing tax reforms.
