Nigeria’s tax ombudsman starts operations January next year –Official

*The Federal Government announces the Office of the Nigerian Tax Ombud is expected to serve as ‘an independent platform’ for addressing grievances within the tax system, and strengthening trust between taxpayers and revenue authorities nationwide

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

With a vision and plans for a fair, transparent, accountable and efficient tax justice system in Nigeria, the Office of the Tax Ombud of Nigeria will commence full operations effective from January 1, 2026.

The Office has pledged to uphold impartiality, fairness, and the protection of taxpayers’ rights in the tax justice ecosystem.

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Chudi Achife, Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Tax Ombud, who said this in a statement disclosed that a series of activities have been lined up ahead of the commencement of full operations.

Achife said these would media briefings and stakeholder engagement sessions, in order to acquaint Nigerians with its vision and plans for effective, accountable, and efficient tax justice system.

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Tax Ombudsman Starts Operations January Next Year In Nigeria –Official

ConsumerConnect reports the Nigerian Government explained the Office of the Tax Ombud is expected to serve as “an independent platform” for addressing grievances within the tax system and strengthening trust between taxpayers and revenue authorities nationwide.

It is recalled President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recently appointed Dr. John Nwabueze as the pioneer Tax Ombud and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Office of the Tax Ombud.

Why Office of the Tax Ombud?

Announcing the recently, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, had stated the establishment of the Office of the Tax Ombud, was aimed at strengthening transparency and accountability within the tax system in Nigeria.

The government equally said the Office would enhance public confidence in tax administration, and provide a structured mechanism for the fair and impartial resolution of disputes between taxpayers and revenue authorities.

The Presidential aide also explained that the Office of the Tax Ombud is mandated to “receive, review and resolve complaints relating to taxes, levies, regulatory fees, customs duties, excise matters, and other related issues, in line with extant laws and regulations.”

The Nigerian Government further Office is also empowered to institute legal proceedings on behalf of taxpayers at no cost to them, provide information on the functions of tax and revenue authorities, and promote awareness of taxpayers’ rights and obligations.

Speaking on the core objectives of the Office, Nwabueze described the creation of the Office of the Tax Ombud as a clear demonstration of President Tinubu’s commitment to amicable and seamless tax dispute resolution.

According to him, it is as well for the protection of taxpayers against arbitrary actions by tax and revenue authorities.

The pioneer Tax Ombud and CEO of the Office, therefore, applauded President Tinubu’s economic policies.

Nwabueze equally commended the Honourable Minister for Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, for his role in implementing the current administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda across key sectors of the economy.

He observed that the reforms are beginning to stabilise the Nigerian economy, while steering the West African country towards sustainable prosperity.

Nwabueze lauds Tinubu for ‘pragmatic leadership approach’

Emphasising the impact of the economic policies, he affirmed that they have contributed to a decline in inflation, greater Foreign Exchange (Forex) rate stability, growing foreign reserves, increased investor confidence, a bullish Capital market and an export surplus.

Armed with over two decades of experience in tax administration and policy in both Nigeria and the United States (US), Dr. Nwabueze, noted that he subscribed to the President’s pragmatic leadership approach in Nigeria.

The Tax Ombud and Chief Executive averred: “Establishing the Office of the Tax Ombud underscores President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ingenuity and foresight in reforming tax administration to promote fairness, accountability and efficiency.”

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