The Office of the Tax Ombud, in collaboration with public and private sector stakeholders, has recommitted to addressing taxpayers' grievances and promoting trust in tax and revenue authorities in Nigeria's North-West region. This commitment was made at a stakeholder engagement programme in Kaduna, which focused on promoting fairness, protecting taxpayers' rights, and advancing effective revenue administration. The programme was attended by representatives of the seven state governments in the zone, members of the organised private sector, business owners, and professional bodies.
The Tax Ombud, Dr John Nwabueze, 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. The Ombud's services, offered free of charge, aim to resolve disputes, mediate complaints, and promote a transparent, fair, and consistent tax administration system. Dr Nwabueze clarified that the Tax Ombud does not cancel legitimate tax liabilities, make tax policy, or shield taxpayers from their lawful obligations.
Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, emphasised the importance of increased taxpayer compliance in boosting tax revenue to fund the state's developmental projects and social services. The Governor noted that his administration had improved tax collection processes through technology and regular engagement with taxpayers to enhance revenue generation. He stressed the important role the Office of the Tax Ombud could play in deepening tax revenue in the state and appealed for the office to be located in Kaduna as the North-West Regional Headquarters.
Sokoto State Governor, Dr 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. The Governor 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. He noted that the Ombud's intervention would help address gaps in the tax administration ecosystem.
The stakeholder engagement programme included 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. The roadshow provided an opportunity for taxpayers to interact with officials and lodge complaints on the spot, reinforcing the Ombud's commitment to transparency and accessibility. Other stakeholders, including the Acting Chairman of the Kaduna Internal Revenue Service and the representative of the Nigerian Revenue Service, welcomed the initiative.
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. The private sector, represented by the North-West Zonal Chairman of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, welcomed the partnership as a path to creating a fairer environment for businesses across the region. The Chairman of the ICAN Kaduna District also expressed commitment to upholding fairness in revenue administration.
The Office of the Tax Ombud's initiative aims to promote taxpayer rights and trust in tax authorities, ultimately contributing to a fair and transparent tax ecosystem. Key stakeholders, including government officials, business owners, and professional bodies, have expressed support for the initiative, which is expected to strengthen taxpayer confidence and encourage greater compliance. The programme has provided a platform for strategic dialogue and collaboration between taxpayers and tax and revenue authorities.
Key points
- The Office of the Tax Ombud has recommitted to addressing taxpayers' grievances and promoting trust in tax and revenue authorities in Nigeria's North-West region.
- The stakeholder engagement programme aimed to promote fairness, protect taxpayers' rights, and advance effective revenue administration.
- The initiative is expected to strengthen taxpayer confidence and encourage greater compliance in the North-West region.
