The Office of the Tax Ombud of Nigeria will formally commence full operations on January 1, 2026, according to an official statement issued by the office.
Its commencement sets the stage for a new independent body dedicated to protecting taxpayer rights and resolving disputes with revenue authorities.
Chief Press Secretary to the Tax Ombud, Chudi Achife, in the statement recalled that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, recently appointed Dr. John Nwabueze as the pioneer Tax Ombud and Chief Executive Officer of the Office of the Tax Ombud.
While announcing the appointment, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, said the office was established to strengthen transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s tax system, boost public confidence in tax administration, and provide a structured platform for the fair and impartial resolution of disputes between taxpayers and revenue authorities.
Onanuga explained that the Office of the Tax Ombud is mandated to receive, review, and resolve complaints relating to taxes, levies, regulatory fees, customs duties, excise matters, and other related issues, in line with extant laws and regulations.
He added that the office is also empowered to institute legal proceedings on behalf of taxpayers at no cost, provide information on the functions of tax authorities, and promote awareness of taxpayers’ rights and obligations.
The statement quoted Nwabueze as saying that the establishment of the office underscores President Tinubu’s commitment to amicable and seamless resolution of tax disputes, as well as the protection of taxpayers’ rights against arbitrary actions by tax and revenue authorities.
Nwabueze commended the President’s economic policies, noting that they are stabilising the Nigerian economy and steering the country toward sustainable prosperity.
He cited declining inflation, a more stable exchange rate, growing foreign reserves, improved investor confidence, a bullish market, and an export surplus as indicators of progress.
He said with over two decades of experience in tax administration and policy in Nigeria and the United States, the creation of the Office of the Tax Ombud reflects President Tinubu’s foresight and resolve to reform tax administration in the interest of fairness, accountability, and efficiency.
“I share in the President’s pragmatic leadership approach. Establishing the Office of the Tax Ombud demonstrates his ingenuity in strengthening tax justice and improving confidence in the system,” he said.
Nwabueze also lauded the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, for his role in driving the Renewed Hope Agenda across the economy.
He disclosed that the office has lined up a series of activities, including press briefings and stakeholder engagement sessions, to acquaint Nigerians with its vision and roadmap for a fair, transparent, accountable, and efficient tax justice system.
