The Office of the Tax Ombud, in collaboration with key stakeholders from the public and private sectors, has recommitted to addressing taxpayers' grievances in Nigeria's North-West region. This commitment was made at a stakeholder engagement programme held in Kaduna, focusing on promoting fairness, protecting taxpayers' rights, and advancing effective revenue administration. The programme aimed to enhance trust in tax and revenue authorities.
Dr. John Nwabueze, the Tax Ombud and Chief Executive of the Office of the Tax Ombud, highlighted the institution's mandate as an independent, impartial, and non-judicial body. The office addresses operational, procedural, and administrative grievances in tax and revenue administration. Nwabueze emphasized that the office's services, offered free of charge, resolve disputes, mediate complaints, and promote a transparent, fair, and consistent tax administration system.
Nwabueze clarified the office's limitations, stating that it does not cancel legitimate tax liabilities, make tax policy, encourage non-compliance, or shield taxpayers from their lawful obligations. The tax ombud's role is distinct from that of the courts. The two-day engagement in the North-West included a roadshow in Kaduna to sensitize taxpayers and business owners about their rights, responsibilities, and the tax ombud's role.
The roadshow provided an opportunity for taxpayers to interact with officials and lodge complaints on the spot, demonstrating the ombud's commitment to transparency and accessibility. Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, emphasized the importance of increased taxpayer compliance in boosting tax revenue to fund developmental projects and social services. He was represented by Commissioner for Finance, Ibrahim Tanko Mohammed.
Governor Sani appealed to the Tax Ombud to consider Kaduna State as the North-West Regional Headquarters of the Office, pledging to provide an enabling environment for the office's immediate take-off. He noted that the Kaduna State Government had improved its tax collection processes through technology and regular engagement with taxpayers to enhance revenue generation.
Sokoto State Governor, Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto, described the establishment of the Office of the Tax Ombud as timely and commendable. The office's free mediation services are expected to strengthen taxpayer confidence and encourage greater compliance. The governors' support indicates a willingness to collaborate with the Office of the Tax Ombud to deepen internally generated revenue.
The stakeholder engagement programme demonstrates a commitment to promoting fairness and transparency in tax administration. The Office of the Tax Ombud's role in addressing taxpayers' grievances is crucial in building trust between taxpayers and revenue authorities. The programme's success will depend on effective implementation and collaboration between stakeholders.
Key points
- The Office of the Tax Ombud has recommitted to addressing taxpayers' grievances in Nigeria's North-West region.
- The stakeholder engagement programme aimed to promote fairness, protect taxpayers' rights, and advance effective revenue administration.
- The Office of the Tax Ombud offers free mediation services to resolve disputes and promote a transparent tax administration system.
