Tax Ombud settles 82% of cases, seeks expansion

Tax Ombud/Chief Executive, Dr John Nwabueze. Photo credit: Techeconomy

The Office of the Tax Ombud has sought President Bola Tinubu’s approval to establish six regional offices across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones, as it disclosed that approximately 82 per cent of taxpayer complaints received since its inception had been resolved.

The Tax Ombud and Chief Executive of the Office, Dr John Nwabueze, disclosed this during the fourth-quarter 2026 breakfast meeting with members of the Finance Correspondents Association of Nigeria in Abuja on Friday.

According to a statement on Sunday issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Tax Ombudsman, Chukwudi Achife, the proposed expansion is expected to improve access to dispute resolution services and strengthen accountability in tax administration.

Nwabueze said the regional offices were scheduled to commence operations before the end of 2026, subject to presidential approval.

“We are dedicated to building trust in the tax system and ensuring that all Nigerians have their voices heard.

With the proposed launch of our regional offices and continued investment in public awareness and stakeholder engagement, we are confident in our ability to serve the nation better,” he said.

The Tax Ombud disclosed that the office had recorded an approximately 82 per cent complaint resolution rate, reflecting its efforts to address disputes between taxpayers and revenue authorities without prolonged litigation.

Nwabueze explained that the proposed regional offices would bring complaint resolution services closer to taxpayers, particularly those outside Abuja, while improving the speed and efficiency of interventions.

He further disclosed plans to establish dedicated Tax Ombud desks within all 36 state tax authorities to facilitate real-time complaint handling and improve communication between taxpayers and revenue agencies.

According to him, the office is also streamlining its internal processes to strengthen its responsiveness and ensure that complaints are addressed more efficiently.

The Tax Ombud noted that collaboration with state governments and federal agencies had strengthened its operations, adding that feedback from state authorities had been overwhelmingly positive.

“Meaningful cooperation with the National Assembly and other critical stakeholders continues to strengthen support for the Office’s activities and underscores its role as a neutral mediator in tax and revenue-related disputes, within the broader fiscal policy framework under the leadership of the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy,” he stated.

Nwabueze said the office had intensified public awareness campaigns and stakeholder engagement to improve taxpayers’ understanding of their rights and available complaint mechanisms.

“Through collaborations with independent partner organisations and government agencies, as well as the strategic use of traditional and modern communication platforms, the Office aims to educate and empower taxpayers nationwide,” he added.

He emphasised that the office’s services were entirely free, urging individuals and businesses experiencing difficulties with tax authorities to lodge complaints.

Nwabueze explained that the institution provides an alternative to lengthy court proceedings by facilitating impartial dispute resolution through engagement between taxpayers and revenue authorities.

He added that unresolved complaints could be referred through appropriate channels for further consideration.