Tax Ombudsman Seeks Tinubu's Approval for Six Regional Offices

The Office of the Tax Ombud has requested President Bola Tinubu's approval to establish six regional offices across Nigeria's geopolitical zones. This move aims to enhance access to dispute resolution and improve accountability in tax administration. The offices are expected to begin operations before the end of 2026, pending presidential approval. The Tax Ombud and Chief Executive, Dr. John Nwabueze, made this announcement during a breakfast meeting with the Finance Correspondents Association of Nigeria in Abuja.

Since its establishment, the Office of the Tax Ombud has successfully resolved around 82 per cent of taxpayer complaints. This high resolution rate reflects the office's success in addressing disputes without resorting to lengthy litigation. The new regional offices will provide complaint resolution services closer to taxpayers, particularly those outside Abuja, improving the speed and efficiency of interventions. This development is expected to foster trust in the tax system and ensure that all Nigerians can voice their concerns.

The regional offices are part of a broader strategy to improve the office's operations and responsiveness to complaints. Plans are underway to establish dedicated Tax Ombud desks within all 36 state tax authorities to facilitate real-time complaint handling and enhance communication between taxpayers and revenue agencies. The office is also streamlining its processes to improve responsiveness to complaints. This includes working with independent partners and utilizing various communication platforms to intensify public awareness campaigns.

The office has received positive feedback from state authorities, and collaboration with state governments and federal agencies has strengthened its operations. The National Assembly has also expressed ongoing support for the office, reinforcing its role as an impartial mediator in tax disputes. The Tax Ombud serves as an alternative to prolonged court proceedings, enabling impartial dispute resolution through constructive engagement between taxpayers and revenue authorities.

To improve taxpayers' understanding of their rights and the available complaint mechanisms, the office has intensified public awareness campaigns. This includes working with independent partners and utilizing various communication platforms. Dr. Nwabueze reiterated that the office's services are free and encouraged anyone facing issues with tax authorities to file complaints. The office's goal is to ensure that all Nigerians can voice their concerns and have their complaints addressed in a timely and efficient manner.

The establishment of the regional offices is expected to bring dispute resolution services closer to taxpayers, improving the overall efficiency of the tax system. The office's commitment to fostering trust in the tax system and ensuring that all Nigerians can voice their concerns is reflected in its high complaint resolution rate. The office's services are designed to provide an alternative to prolonged court proceedings, enabling impartial dispute resolution through constructive engagement between taxpayers and revenue authorities.

Unresolved complaints can be referred through the appropriate channels for further consideration. The office's role as an impartial mediator in tax disputes has been reinforced by the National Assembly's ongoing support. With the establishment of the regional offices, the office is expected to improve its responsiveness to complaints and provide better services to taxpayers across Nigeria. The office's goal is to ensure that taxpayers' concerns are addressed in a timely and efficient manner, promoting trust in the tax system.

Key points

• The Tax Ombud's office has resolved around 82 per cent of taxpayer complaints since its establishment.
• The new regional offices aim to improve access to dispute resolution and enhance accountability in tax administration.
• The office's services are free, and anyone facing issues with tax authorities is encouraged to file complaints.