The Office of the Tax Ombud, in collaboration with key stakeholders, has recommitted to addressing taxpayers' grievances and promoting trust in tax and revenue authorities in Nigeria. This commitment was made at a landmark stakeholder engagement programme in Kaduna, which focused on promoting fairness, protecting taxpayers' rights, and advancing effective revenue administration in Nigeria. The programme provided a platform for strategic dialogue and collaboration between taxpayers and tax authorities.
The two-day engagement, held on September 28 and 29, 2026, was attended by representatives of the seven state governments in the North-West zone, members of the organised private sector, business owners, and professional bodies. The stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to active participation, continuous dialogue, and collaborative efforts towards building a fair, transparent, and accountable tax ecosystem in Nigeria's North-West region and beyond.
John Nwabueze, 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 dedicated to addressing operational, procedural, and administrative grievances in tax and revenue administration. He stated that the Office's services, offered free of charge, are designed to resolve disputes, mediate complaints, and promote a transparent, fair, and consistent tax administration system.
Nwabueze clarified the Office's role, stating that it is not a mechanism for cancelling legitimate tax liabilities or making tax policy. He emphasized that the Office does not encourage non-compliance or shield taxpayers from their lawful obligations. The Tax Ombud also conducted a roadshow across Kaduna metropolis to sensitise taxpayers and business owners on their rights and responsibilities, as well as the role of the Tax Ombud.
Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, emphasized the importance of increased taxpayer compliance in boosting tax revenue to fund the state's developmental projects and social services. He noted that the Kaduna State Government had improved its tax collection processes through technology and regular engagement with taxpayers. The Governor appealed to the Tax Ombud to consider Kaduna State as the North-West Regional Headquarters of the Office.
Sokoto State Governor, Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto, described the establishment of the Office of the Tax Ombud as timely and commendable, particularly at a time when subnational governments are seeking to deepen internally generated revenue. He expressed confidence that the Tax Ombud would strengthen taxpayer trust in Nigeria by promoting fairness in tax administration and providing an alternative dispute resolution mechanism.
Other stakeholders, including the acting chairman of the Kaduna Internal Revenue Service and representatives of the Nigerian Revenue Service and the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, welcomed the partnership and expressed their commitment to creating a fairer environment for businesses and taxpayers across the region. The stakeholders' engagement programme aimed to build trust in the tax system and support taxpayers through transparent processes.
Key points
- The Office of the Tax Ombud has recommitted to addressing taxpayers' grievances and promoting trust in tax authorities in Nigeria's North-West region.
- The stakeholder engagement programme provided a platform for strategic dialogue and collaboration between taxpayers and tax authorities.
- The Office of the Tax Ombud offers free services to resolve disputes, mediate complaints, and promote a transparent, fair, and consistent tax administration system.
