By Oluwakemi Kindness
Nigeria’s Tax Ombudsman, John Nwabueze, has called for a shift in the country’s tax culture, advocating for one built on trust and understanding rather than fear or coercion.
He stated this at the 159th meeting of the Joint Revenue Board in Lagos, where he stated that improving tax compliance depends on strengthening collaboration between revenue authorities at the federal, state, and local government levels.
A statement on Thursday by Chukwudi Achife, Chief Press Secretary Office of the Tax Ombud, quotes him as explaining that the Office of the Tax Ombudsman serves as an independent and impartial bridge between taxpayers and revenue agencies, helping to resolve disputes through mediation and conciliation.
According to him, these methods are faster, more cost-effective, and less adversarial than litigation.
Nwabueze described the Office as a significant institutional innovation within Nigeria’s tax system, established to protect taxpayer rights and promote administrative justice.
He noted that beyond resolving complaints, the Office also identifies recurring issues in tax administration and recommends reforms aimed at improving efficiency, fairness, and transparency.
He added that the institution plays a watchdog role against arbitrary fiscal practices while also promoting taxpayer education and strengthening accountability across the system.
The Tax Ombud clarified that the Office does not determine tax liabilities or replace the courts or Tax Appeal Tribunal. Instead, its focus is to ensure that tax processes are conducted in a fair, transparent, and accountable manner.
Nwabueze further stated that the Office supports ongoing tax reforms by helping to smooth challenges that may arise, ensuring confidence in the system while encouraging voluntary compliance.
“The Office of the Tax Ombud helps to ensure that compliance with the new tax laws is driven not by fear or coercion, but by trust and understanding,” he said.
He also described the Office as a critical pillar in efforts to harmonise revenue systems, expand the tax base, and improve overall compliance.
Nwabueze urged all revenue-generating agencies across the country to prioritise inclusion by integrating the Office of the Tax Ombud into tax engagements and policy discussions at both national and subnational levels.
