Tax Ombud seeks fair treatment of taxpayers, accountability
Abuja, Oct. 2026 (TBL Africa) The Office of the Tax Ombud has called for fair treatment of taxpayers, transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s tax administration to promote public confidence and voluntary compliance.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Office of the Tax Ombud, Dr John Nwabueze, disclosed this at a stakeholders’ town hall meeting with the theme: “Promoting Fairness in Tax and Revenue Administration in Nigeria”, held in Abuja on Friday.
Nwabueze said that the office was committed to protecting taxpayers’ rights, resolving administrative complaints and identifying systemic weaknesses requiring corrective action.
He described Office of the Tax Ombud as an impartial bridge between taxpayers, government and revenue authorities, rather than an advocate for any party.
The CEO said that the office had established complaints-handling procedures, digital management systems, stakeholder partnerships, taxpayer education initiatives and a dedicated call centre.
Nwabueze listed consistent tax interpretation, procedural justice, quality service, transparency and accountability, and protection of vulnerable taxpayers as the five pillars.
He said that tax exemptions and reliefs provided by law, particularly for eligible small businesses must be properly communicated and respected.
According to him, taxpayers deserve fair hearings, transparent decisions and timely responses to complaints in accordance with the law.
The CEO said that Office of the Tax Ombud was developing a Taxpayer Charter to explain taxpayers’ rights and responsibilities in English, Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba and Nigerian Pidgin.
He said that the initiative would improve public awareness and help taxpayers understand their obligations and available channels for seeking redress.
Nwabueze urged tax and revenue authorities to apply the law consistently, communicate clearly and treat taxpayers with dignity.
He also encouraged businesses and individuals to fulfil their lawful tax obligations and use established channels to report genuine grievances.
The CEO called on professional bodies, the private sector, civil society and the media to support public awareness and constructive engagement.
Nwabueze said that the Office of the Tax Ombud would continue addressing complaints, facilitating fair resolutions and recommending improvements where systemic problems were identified.
He added that a fair tax system would encourage voluntary compliance, reduce disputes and create a predictable environment for investment and economic growth.
He urged stakeholders to ensure that fairness became a practical reality in Nigeria’s tax administration as the country pursued reforms.
The President/Chairman of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), Mr Samuel Agbeluyi, said that tax fairness and revenue collection was a continuous process.
He commended the office of the Tax Ombud for their efforts and urged them to continue doing their best.
