The Office of the Tax Ombudsman in Nigeria has achieved a significant milestone, resolving approximately 82% of complaints received from taxpayers since its establishment. This was disclosed by the Tax Ombudsman, Dr. John Nwabueze, during the fourth-quarter 2026 Breakfast Meeting with members of the Finance Correspondents Association of Nigeria (FICAN) in Abuja. The office's success in resolving complaints underscores its effectiveness in addressing taxpayer grievances.
As part of its expansion plans, the Office of the Tax Ombudsman aims to establish six regional offices across Nigeria's six geopolitical zones. These offices will bring the services of the office closer to taxpayers, improving the resolution of tax-related disputes. However, the commencement of operations at these offices is contingent upon the approval of President Bola Tinubu and the completion of necessary administrative and operational arrangements.
The proposed regional offices are part of a broader effort to strengthen the office's presence nationwide and enhance taxpayer access to redress. Dr. Nwabueze explained that the expansion will make it easier for Nigerians to seek resolution over complaints arising from their dealings with tax and revenue authorities. This move is expected to increase the office's visibility and accessibility, fostering greater trust in the tax system.
In addition to establishing regional offices, the Office of the Tax Ombudsman is developing a multilingual online complaint platform. This platform will enable Nigerians to submit complaints and access information about the office's mandate in various languages, promoting public understanding and accessibility. The platform's user-friendly design will facilitate seamless interactions between taxpayers and the office.
To improve complaint resolution, the Office of the Tax Ombudsman is working to establish dedicated Tax Ombudsman desks within state tax authorities and other revenue-generating institutions. These desks will facilitate real-time communication and reduce administrative delays, enhancing the efficiency of the complaint-handling process. By doing so, the office aims to address complaints more promptly and effectively.
The Office of the Tax Ombudsman has intensified stakeholder engagement and public awareness campaigns to educate taxpayers about its mandate. Through traditional and modern communication channels, the office is promoting its services and encouraging taxpayers to seek its intervention when experiencing difficulties with tax and revenue authorities. Ongoing discussions with government agencies and stakeholders aim to deepen collaboration and extend the office's reach, particularly to taxpayers in rural communities.
Dr. Nwabueze emphasized that the services of the Office of the Tax Ombudsman are free, providing an accessible and cost-effective alternative to lengthy court proceedings. The office facilitates fair and impartial resolutions through engagement between taxpayers and tax authorities, building trust in the tax system and ensuring that all Nigerians have their voices heard. With the proposed launch of regional offices and continued investment in public awareness, the office is confident in its ability to serve the nation better.
Key points
- The Office of the Tax Ombudsman has resolved 82% of complaints received from taxpayers since its establishment.
- The office plans to establish six regional offices across Nigeria's six geopolitical zones to improve taxpayer access to redress.
- A multilingual online complaint platform is being developed to enable Nigerians to submit complaints and access information about the office's mandate.
