Tax Ombud office to ensure fair, transparent tax system – Nwabueze

Tax Ombud/Chief Executive, Office of the Tax Ombud, Dr. John Nwabueze, has reiterated that the establishment of the office demonstrated Nigeria’s commitment to “a modern, people-focused tax system that balances domestic revenue needs with justice and due process.” He further stated that his Office neither “determines tax liability, nor has it replaced the courts or […]

Tax Ombud/Chief Executive, Office of the Tax Ombud, Dr. John Nwabueze, has reiterated that the establishment of the office demonstrated Nigeria’s commitment to “a modern, people-focused tax system that balances domestic revenue needs with justice and due process.”

He further stated that his Office neither “determines tax liability, nor has it replaced the courts or the Tax Appeal Tribunal” but was rather established to ensure that tax administration is conducted in a fair, transparent, and accountable manner.

Nwabueze stated this while addressing newsmen in Lagos, saying the office was founded as an independent, impartial body to protect taxpayer rights, resolve grievances, and promote fairness in tax administration.

This, he said, not only encourages voluntary compliance but also aligns with the broader reforms of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to reposition taxation as a tool for inclusive development and shared national responsibility.

Noting that the tax system must be fair, responsive and just to be effective, Nwabueze explained that the Office of the Tax Ombud acts as a bridge between taxpayers and the tax and revenue authorities, providing accessible dispute-resolution mechanisms essential to public trust and effective governance.

He added that beyond dispute resolution, the Office of the Tax Ombud plays a systemic role in identifying recurring issues in tax and revenue administration and recommending reforms to improve efficiency, fairness, and transparency.

He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for leading a transformative tax reforms that are rooted in fairness, inclusiveness, and sustainability for revenue growth and economic prosperity adding that at the core of the reforms” lies a renewed social contract – one in which taxpayers are not passive partakers, but active partners in nation-building”.

Further, the CEO commended the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele for his leadership in the reform process.