Tax Ombud: Nigeria’s new tax reforms will cut costs, fast-track dispute resolution

*Dr. John Nwabueze, Chief Executive of the Office of the Tax Ombud, assures Nigerian taxpayers the agency will receive complaints from taxpayers, investigate such grievances, and work with relevant authorities to settle disputes through mediation and conciliation instead of engaging in prolonged court cases

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

The Office of the Tax Ombud (OTO), in Nigeria, has assured taxpayers of serving as a “neutral channel” for resolving disputes between them and revenue authorities.

The Office noted that it would do this with a focus on dialogue, mediation and fairness, rather than parties engaging in prolonged court cases in the Nigerian economy.

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ConsumerConnect reports Dr. John Nwabueze, Chief Executive of the Office of the Tax Ombud, stated this during the 159th meeting of the Joint Revenue Board, and at a breakfast meeting with Business Editors in Lagos.

Nwabueze highlighted the role of the newly established office in the ongoing tax reforms in the West African country.

The Tax Ombud also explained that the Office was created to protect taxpayer rights, promote accountability and improve confidence in the nation’s tax administration system.

Chukwudi Achife, Chief Press Secretary (CPS) of the office of the Tax Ombud, also disclosed in a statement that agency would receive complaints from taxpayers, investigate grievances and work with relevant authorities to settle disputes through mediation and conciliation.

The statement noted: “These processes are faster, more affordable and less confrontational than going through the courts.”

Nwabueze further explained that the Office of Tax Ombud would not determine how much tax individuals, or businesses should pay, neither would it replace the courts or the Tax Appeal Tribunal.

The Office, he stated, would rather ensure that tax administration is carried out in a transparent and accountable manner.

The Tax Ombud averred: “The Office of the Tax Ombud is an independent body created to promote fairness and accountability in tax administration while protecting the rights of taxpayers.”

According to him, beyond handling individual complaints, the Office would also identify recurring problems within the tax system and recommend reforms aimed at ensuring efficiency, transparency and fairness in revenue administration.

The Tax Ombud was established at a critical time when the country is implementing major fiscal and tax reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, said he.

Dr. Nwabueze assured the Office would help to reduce tension that may arise from the implementation of new tax policies by building trust between taxpayers and revenue agencies.

Nwabueze stated: “The OTO helps to ensure that compliance with the new tax laws is driven not by fear or coercion, but by trust and understanding.”

Improving trust in the tax system will encourage voluntary compliance, widen the tax base and strengthen government revenue generation, the Tax Ombud noted.

He said: “The establishment of the office demonstrates Nigeria’s commitment to a modern, people-focused tax system that balances domestic revenue needs with justice and due process.”

Nwabueze, therefore, urged stronger cooperation among the Federal and state revenue agencies.

According to him, effective tax administration depends on collaboration among all stakeholders in the Nigerian economy.

“Our goal is to collaborate with all revenue institutions to strengthen how tax administration works in Nigeria,” he said.

The Tax Ombud as well appealed to media professionals to support ongoing fiscal reforms by educating Nigerians on the functions of the Office of the Tax Ombud, and how taxpayers can seek redress on tax-related grievances without cost.

He applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for pursuing tax reforms aimed at fairness, inclusiveness and sustainable revenue growth.

The Tax Reforms, Nwabueze stated, are built around a new relationship between Nigerian government and taxpayers in the country.

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