Nigeria’s Independent Tax Ombud Strengthens Compliance, Trust – FG
The Federal Government has described the establishment of Nigeria’s independent Tax Ombud as a major step toward strengthening voluntary tax compliance and restoring public trust in the country’s tax administration.
The Tax Ombud/Chief Executive of the Office of the Tax Ombud, Dr. John Nwabueze, disclosed this on Thursday during the Office’s third-quarter Breakfast Meeting with business editors in Lagos.
Dr. Nwabueze commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for setting up the independent institution, noting that it is already mediating disputes between taxpayers and revenue authorities to ensure fairness, accountability and justice.
He said the Office has significantly improved access to its services through the launch of a digital complaints portal, a case management system, a toll-free call centre, and SMS callback services.
“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 Tax Ombud said.
He added that the Office has expanded the capacity of its team of accountants and legal experts to handle complex tax matters, including potential disputes relating to digital asset taxation.
To deepen reach, Dr. Nwabueze said plans are underway to establish offices in all six geopolitical zones. The Office is also intensifying engagement with professional bodies, revenue authorities and the media, and will soon roll out a nationwide public sensitisation campaign.
A major focus of the campaign will be multiple taxation, which he described as an “endemic issue” especially at state and local government levels.
“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,” he stated.
The Tax Ombud said public awareness remains critical to the success of the reforms.
“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,” Dr. Nwabueze said.