The Office of the Tax Ombud in Nigeria has launched an initiative to strengthen taxpayer rights and promote fairness, transparency, and accountability in the country's tax administration system. According to Dr. John Nwabueze, the Tax Ombud and Chief Executive of the Office, the organisation is working to raise public awareness about its mandate and services. This move aims to provide taxpayers with an independent platform to seek redress without unnecessary delays or financial burden.
Dr. Nwabueze disclosed that discussions are underway to establish a partnership with the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) to extend the Tax Ombud's services to every local government area in Nigeria. This partnership seeks to ensure that taxpayers across the country have access to the Office and can easily lodge complaints against revenue authorities. The initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu's vision of strengthening tax administration through effective mediation and prompt resolution of disputes.
The Tax Ombud's Office was established to provide taxpayers with an independent and impartial platform to seek redress. Dr. Nwabueze stressed that public confidence is central to building an efficient and sustainable revenue system. He noted that the success of the Office would be measured not only by the number of complaints resolved but also by the trust it inspires in the tax system.
Dr. Nwabueze charged staff to uphold discipline, diligence, and courtesy in the discharge of their duties. He emphasised that the organisation must remain committed to protecting taxpayer rights. The Tax Ombud's Office recently held a three-day management retreat in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, themed "Leading with Purpose: Strengthening Leadership and Delivering Sustainable Excellence."
The retreat aimed to strengthen institutional leadership, improve management coordination, and enhance the Office's capacity to deliver on its mandate of protecting taxpayer rights. Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, commended the Federal Government's tax reforms, saying they were designed to improve revenue generation and address longstanding challenges in tax administration.
Governor Eno urged the Tax Ombud to establish a presence in Akwa Ibom State, pledging his administration's support to ensure residents can access its services. The Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Internal Revenue Service, Okon Okon, described the Office of the Tax Ombud as an important institution for promoting fairness, trust, and harmony in Nigeria's tax administration system.
Okon Okon highlighted that the services of the Tax Ombud are provided free of charge, offering relief to taxpayers and revenue authorities seeking an impartial platform for resolving tax-related grievances. The Office's efforts to protect taxpayer rights and promote fairness in tax administration have been commended by various stakeholders.
Key points
- The Tax Ombud Office is working to establish a partnership with NIPOST to extend its services to every local government area in Nigeria.
- The Office's success will be measured by the trust it inspires in the tax system, in addition to the number of complaints resolved.
- The services of the Tax Ombud are provided free of charge to taxpayers and revenue authorities.
