FG appoints Nwabueze as Tax Ombudsman

From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

The federal government has officially appointed John Nwabueze as the new Tax Ombudsman, a move aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s tax administration system.

According to a statement issued by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the appointment made under the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Act, 2025, reinforces President Bola Tinubu’s pledge to implement comprehensive and sustainable reforms in the country’s tax and revenue framework.

Nwabueze, who hails from Oshimili South in Delta State, brings a wealth of experience from both the public and private sectors. His previous roles include Managing Partner at a leading tax advisory firm, Technical Adviser to the National Assembly’s Joint Senate Committees on the Federal Capital Territory and Finance, and adviser to the former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s Chief Economic Adviser.

Holding a Doctorate in Business Administration (Finance) from Walden University, USA, alongside master’s and bachelor’s degrees in accounting and mathematics, Nwabueze is well-equipped to lead the new office.

The Tax Ombudsman’s office is tasked with enhancing transparency and accountability in tax dealings. It will serve as an impartial body to handle complaints on taxes, levies, customs, and excise duties, ensuring taxpayer protections against abuse and arbitrary actions by tax officials.