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The Office of the Tax Ombud has expanded its capacity to address emerging tax disputes, including potential complaints linked to the taxation of digital assets, as it seeks to promote fairness, accountability and transparency in Nigeria’s tax administration.
The Tax Ombud and Chief Executive of the Office, Dr. John Nwabueze, disclosed this during the third-quarter breakfast meeting with editors in Lagos, where he outlined the institution’s recent achievements and plans to broaden access to its services nationwide.
Nwabueze said the office had strengthened the capacity of its accountants and legal experts to manage increasingly complex tax matters, including potential disputes arising from digital asset taxation.
“The office has expanded the capacity of its skilled accountants and legal experts to handle complex tax matters, including disputes relating to digital asset taxation, should such cases arise. We are also enhancing accessibility at the grassroots through plans to establish offices across all six geopolitical zones,” he said.
According to him, the Tax Ombud received more than 20 genuine complaints within three months, with the majority relating to state revenue services. Eight of the cases were resolved within the statutory 14-day period, while an additional seven days may be granted where necessary.
The office has also introduced digital tools to make the complaint-resolution process more accessible. These include a digital complaints portal, case management system, toll-free call centre and SMS callback services.
Nwabueze said the measures had enabled individuals and businesses to submit complaints more easily while improving the efficiency of case management and resolution.
Beyond handling individual complaints, the Tax Ombud has intensified engagement with professional bodies, the media, revenue authorities and other stakeholders as part of efforts to address systemic challenges in Nigeria’s tax system.
He disclosed that the office was preparing for a nationwide public sensitisation campaign focused on persistent tax-related issues, particularly multiple taxation.
According to Nwabueze, multiple taxation remains a significant concern, especially at the state and local government levels, and requires greater coordination among the relevant authorities.
“Multiple taxation is an endemic issue that we are determined to address by engaging all relevant stakeholders, including the Joint Revenue Board, state governments, and local government authorities. Through collaboration and policy engagement, we are working towards sustainable solutions,” he stated.
Focus on taxpayer protection
Nwabueze commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for establishing an independent Tax Ombud institution, describing it as an important step towards strengthening voluntary tax compliance and improving public confidence in tax administration.
He explained that the core mandate of the office is to provide impartial mediation between taxpayers and revenue authorities while promoting fairness, accountability and justice in the tax system.
As Nigeria’s tax framework evolves to accommodate emerging areas such as digital assets, the institution’s expanded technical capacity could become increasingly important in resolving disputes between taxpayers and revenue authorities.
However, Nwabueze identified limited public awareness of the Tax Ombud’s mandate and services as one of the institution’s major challenges.
He therefore called for stronger media engagement and public education to ensure taxpayers understand their rights, their obligations and the available channels for seeking redress when disputes arise.
The office said its ongoing expansion and stakeholder engagement are intended to strengthen taxpayer protection while contributing to a more transparent, accountable and effective tax administration framework in Nigeria.
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