Tax Ombud Calls for Collaboration to Enhance Tax Trust

Dr. John Nwabueze, the Chief Executive/Tax Ombud of the Office of the Tax Ombud (OTO), advocated for stronger collaboration between revenue-generating agencies to bolster taxpayer protection and trust in Nigeria’s tax administration system. This call was made during a stakeholder engagement themed “Promoting Fairness, Transparency and Trust in Tax Administration in Nigeria.” Nwabueze proposed that these agencies appoint liaison officers to act as institutional interfaces with the OTO.

He noted that the OTO was established under Part VI of the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Act, 2025, making Nigeria the ninth country globally and third in Africa to implement the tax ombudsman concept. He referenced Franklin Roosevelt's quote on taxes as dues for societal membership, emphasizing the importance of strengthening ties between taxpayers and revenue institutions.

Nwabueze announced that three zonal offices would begin operations soon to enhance accessibility for taxpayers outside the Federal Capital Territory and mentioned an upcoming public launch of a Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights and Obligations.