The Office of the Tax Ombud and stakeholders from Nigeria's public and private sectors have pledged to enhance protection of taxpayers' rights and boost trust in the country's tax administration system. This commitment was made in Kaduna on Tuesday, following a two-day stakeholder engagement organised by the Office of the Tax Ombud. The event brought together representatives from seven North-West states, business owners, and professional bodies to discuss fairness, taxpayer grievances, and effective revenue administration.
The Tax Ombud, Dr John Nwabueze, stated that his institution was established as an independent, impartial, and non-judicial body to address operational, procedural, and administrative grievances in tax and revenue administration. He noted that the office provides free services to resolve disputes, mediate complaints, and promote transparent, fair, and consistent tax administration. Nwabueze emphasised that the Tax Ombud's focus is on both taxpayers' rights and responsibilities, as well as those of relevant authorities.
Dr Nwabueze clarified that the Tax Ombud is not meant to cancel legitimate tax liabilities or encourage tax evasion. He stressed that the office does not make tax policy, encourage non-compliance, or shield taxpayers from their lawful obligations. The Tax Ombud's role is to provide an alternative dispute resolution mechanism, ensuring that taxpayers' concerns are addressed in a fair and transparent manner.
As part of the engagement, the Office of the Tax Ombud conducted a roadshow in Kaduna to sensitise taxpayers and business owners about their rights and responsibilities, as well as the role of the Tax Ombud. The outreach enabled taxpayers to interact directly with officials and lodge complaints. This initiative aims to increase awareness and promote a fair tax administration system.
Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, highlighted the importance of improving taxpayer compliance to increase revenue for development projects and social services. He noted that his administration has improved tax collection through technology and regular engagement with taxpayers. The governor also appealed to the Tax Ombud to establish its North-West regional headquarters in Kaduna, pledging the state government's support.
Sokoto State Governor, Dr Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto, described the establishment of the Tax Ombud as timely, particularly as states seek to increase internally generated revenue. He noted that the office could strengthen trust in tax administration by providing taxpayers with an accessible alternative dispute resolution mechanism. Other stakeholders, including the Acting Chairman of the Kaduna Internal Revenue Service and the representative of the Nigerian Revenue Service, also expressed support for the initiative.
The stakeholders resolved to sustain dialogue and collaboration between taxpayers and tax authorities towards building a fair, transparent, and accountable tax administration system in the North-West and Nigeria. The engagement is expected to help build trust in the tax system through transparent processes and provide relief to taxpayers who might otherwise face lengthy and costly litigation.
Key points
- The Office of the Tax Ombud and North West stakeholders have pledged to strengthen the protection of taxpayers' rights and improve trust in Nigeria's tax administration system.
- The Tax Ombud provides free services to resolve disputes, mediate complaints, and promote a transparent, fair, and consistent tax administration system.
- The stakeholders have resolved to sustain dialogue and collaboration to build a fair, transparent, and accountable tax administration system in the North-West and Nigeria.