Lawyers back Tax Ombud’s push for higher tax compliance

Nigerian lawyers have backed the Office of the Tax Ombud’s efforts to improve voluntary tax compliance, stressing the need for greater public trust in the country’s tax administration.

The lawyers spoke at a panel discussion titled “Pay Now, Prosper Later” during the 66th Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The session featured the Tax Ombud and Chief Executive, Dr John Nwabueze, and other legal practitioners, including Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Ahmed Raji.

The participants agreed that taxation remains a key source of government revenue needed to fund infrastructure, social services and other public programmes.

Nwabueze said improving taxpayers’ confidence in tax authorities would encourage more Nigerians to comply voluntarily with their tax obligations.

He said the Office of the Tax Ombud was committed to providing taxpayers with an independent and impartial platform to lodge complaints and have their grievances addressed promptly and fairly.

According to him, the office would “alleviate the burden of administrative and procedural issues for taxpayers, helping to foster trust between citizens and tax authorities.”

Nwabueze said, “It is our belief that the Office will contribute significantly towards bridging the gap between taxpayers and tax administration, making the tax system more accessible and trusted.

“We strive to ensure that tax grievances are resolved in an open and accountable manner, ultimately strengthening Nigeria’s tax system.”

He disclosed that the office had received 22 complaints since it began operations in January, with 14 already resolved.

“Since opening its doors to the public in January, the Office has already received 22 complaints, with 14 resolved efficiently. Continuous efforts in stakeholder engagement and public awareness are underway to ensure broader access to the Office’s services,” he said.

The Tax Ombud also clarified that the office was not a judicial body but could help resolve tax disputes before they escalate to the courts or other tax adjudication bodies.

He said the mechanism could reduce the pressure on the courts while providing taxpayers with an accessible avenue for resolving complaints.

The Office of the Tax Ombud is also intensifying stakeholder engagement and public awareness to make taxpayers more familiar with its services.

The office said it remained committed to promoting a tax environment that is fair, transparent and trusted by both taxpayers and government agencies.