Nigeria's Tax Ombud, Dr. John Nwabueze, has emphasized the Office's commitment to promoting fairness and transparency within the country's tax system. The Office continues to mediate between taxpayers and revenue authorities, ensuring that taxpayers' rights are protected. Dr. Nwabueze made these remarks at the third-quarter Breakfast Meeting with business editors in Lagos, where he highlighted the Office's major milestones and outlined its vision for the future. The meeting provided a platform for the Tax Ombud to engage with stakeholders and discuss key issues affecting taxpayers.
The Tax Ombud's Office has made significant progress in improving taxpayers' access to its services. A digital complaints portal, case management system, toll-free call centre, and SMS callback services have been launched to facilitate the filing of complaints and provide timely resolutions. These innovations have streamlined the complaint-handling process, enabling individuals and businesses to easily access the Office's services. According to Dr. Nwabueze, the Office received over 20 genuine complaints within three months, with eight successfully resolved within the statutory 14-day resolution period.
The Office has expanded its capacity to handle complex tax matters, including disputes related to digital asset taxation. Dr. Nwabueze noted that the Office is preparing for potential cases involving digital assets and has enhanced its accessibility at the grassroots level. Plans are underway to establish offices across all six geopolitical zones, ensuring that taxpayers have easier access to the Office's services. This expansion is part of the Office's efforts to promote fairness and transparency in the tax system.
The Tax Ombud's Office is intensifying engagement with professional bodies, the media, revenue authorities, and other stakeholders to address persistent issues such as multiple taxation. A nationwide public sensitization campaign is planned to educate taxpayers about their rights and the Office's services. Dr. Nwabueze commended President Bola Tinubu for establishing an independent tax ombudsman institution to strengthen voluntary tax compliance and build public trust in Nigeria's tax administration.
Multiple taxation, particularly at the state and local government levels, is a significant challenge that the Office is working to address. Dr. Nwabueze stressed that the Federal Government is committed to resolving this issue through collaboration with stakeholders, including the Joint Revenue Board, state governments, and local government authorities. The Office is working towards sustainable solutions to reduce the burden of multiple taxation on taxpayers.
The Tax Ombud's core mandate is to provide impartial mediation, ensuring fairness, accountability, and justice for both taxpayers and tax authorities. Dr. Nwabueze emphasized the importance of public awareness and called for sustained collaboration with the media and other stakeholders. He urged the media to help disseminate information about the Office's services, enabling every Nigerian taxpayer to be aware of their rights and know where to seek redress.
The Office's efforts to promote fairness and transparency in the tax system have received recognition from stakeholders. Dr. Nwabueze's engagement with the media and other stakeholders demonstrates the Office's commitment to transparency and accountability. The Office's expansion and plans to establish offices across the country will further enhance its ability to serve taxpayers and promote a fair tax system.
Key points
- The Tax Ombud's Office has launched a digital complaints portal and other services to improve taxpayers' access to its services.
- The Office is preparing for potential cases involving digital asset taxation and has expanded its capacity to handle complex tax matters.
- The Office is working to address multiple taxation, particularly at the state and local government levels, through collaboration with stakeholders.
