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The Office of the Tax Ombud has called on Nigerian journalists to take a frontline role in promoting the federal government’s ongoing fiscal reforms by educating citizens on taxpayer rights, complaint procedures and avenues for free redress in tax-related disputes.
A Tax Ombud is an independent official or office that stands between taxpayers and tax agencies to ensure fairness, transparency and proper treatment.
Tax Ombud and Chief Executive Officer of the Office of the Tax Ombud, Dr. John Nwabueze, made the appeal during a breakfast meeting with Business Editors in Lagos at the weekend.
He said the media remains a critical partner in helping Nigerians understand the functions of the newly established Office of the Tax Ombud, particularly how taxpayers can seek justice when faced with unfair treatment by tax authorities.
According to him, the office was created as an independent and impartial institution to safeguard taxpayer rights, resolve grievances and promote fairness in tax administration.
Nwabueze disclosed that the office is set to improve access to its services with the imminent launch of an official website and a toll-free call centre.
He said: “The Office of the Tax Ombud was founded as an independent, impartial body to protect taxpayer rights, resolve grievances, and promote fairness in tax administration.”
He added that the establishment of the office provides Nigerians with a fresh channel to participate more actively in national economic development.
According to him, the move reflects Nigeria’s commitment to building a modern, citizen-focused tax system that balances revenue generation with justice, transparency and due process.
He noted that such a framework would encourage voluntary tax compliance while supporting the broader objectives of the presidential agenda.
“This not only encourages voluntary compliance but also aligns with the broader reforms of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to reposition taxation as a tool for inclusive development and shared national responsibility,” he said.
Nwabueze stressed that no tax system can succeed unless it is seen as fair, responsive and just.
He explained that the Tax Ombud serves as a bridge between taxpayers and tax authorities by offering accessible dispute-resolution mechanisms that strengthen public confidence and governance.
Commending President Tinubu for pursuing far-reaching reforms, he described the administration’s tax agenda as one rooted in fairness, inclusiveness and sustainable revenue growth.
“At the core of the reforms lies a renewed social contract, one in which taxpayers are not passive partakers, but active partners in nation-building,” he stated.
He also acknowledged the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, for his leadership role in driving the reform process.
Responding to questions from editors, Dr. Nwabueze clarified that the Office of the Tax Ombud does not assess taxes or determine tax liabilities.
He said: “The Office neither determines tax liability, nor has it replaced the courts or the Tax Appeal Tribunal.”
Rather, he explained, the institution was created to ensure tax administration is carried out in a fair, transparent and accountable manner.
Beyond handling disputes, he said the office would also identify recurring weaknesses in tax and revenue administration and recommend reforms aimed at improving efficiency, fairness and transparency.
The engagement with business editors comes amid renewed efforts by the government to deepen tax awareness, expand the tax net and improve trust between citizens and revenue authorities.
