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The Chief Executive of the Office of the Tax Ombud (OTO), John Nwabueze, has called for the formal integration of the office into Nigeria’s tax administration framework to support ongoing reforms and enhance compliance with new tax laws.
Speaking in Lagos at the 159th meeting of the Joint Revenue Board (JRB), Nwabueze emphasised the need for closer collaboration between the OTO and revenue authorities across federal, state, and local levels.
The JRB brings together revenue agencies from the 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory, and other key institutions responsible for tax administration.
Addressing participants on the role of the Tax Ombud in dispute resolution and trust-building, Nwabueze described the OTO as an independent body established to protect taxpayer rights and promote fairness within the system.
He explained that the office functions as an intermediary between taxpayers and authorities, handling complaints, investigating grievances, and facilitating resolution through mediation and conciliation.
According to him, these mechanisms offer faster and more cost-effective alternatives to litigation, while also helping to identify systemic issues and recommend reforms to improve transparency and efficiency.
“The objective is to drive compliance through trust and understanding, rather than enforcement alone,” he said.
Nwabueze clarified that the OTO does not determine tax liabilities or replace judicial institutions such as courts or tax appeal tribunals. Instead, its focus is on ensuring that tax processes are conducted in a fair, transparent, and accountable manner.
He urged revenue authorities to incorporate the Tax Ombud into policy discussions and operational engagements, noting that stronger institutional alignment would enhance the effectiveness of Nigeria’s revenue system.
The call underscores growing recognition of the role of independent oversight and dispute resolution mechanisms in building public confidence and improving voluntary tax compliance.
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