Tax Law: Ombud Office Pledges to Boost Voluntary Compliance

Nigeria’s newly established Office of the Tax Ombud has pledged to restore taxpayer confidence and strengthen voluntary compliance, positioning itself as a cornerstone of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s fiscal reform agenda.

During anmeeting in Abuja with the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms on Friday, Tax Ombud CEO Dr. John Nwabueze emphasized the Office’s role as an independent mediator dedicated to fairness, transparency, and taxpayer protection.

“We will launch sustained public awareness campaigns to educate taxpayers on their rights and the seamless processes for lodging complaints.

“Our engagement with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria and other stakeholders will ensure clarity on obligations under Nigeria’s tax laws,” Dr. Nwabueze said.

The Ombud’s mandate, officials noted, is not only to safeguard taxpayer rights but also to improve Nigeria’s investment climate and competitiveness.

By acting as a neutral arbiter, the Office aims to reduce friction between taxpayers and revenue authorities, thereby encouraging voluntary compliance.

Chairman of the Presidential Committee, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, underscored the importance of the Ombud’s effectiveness to the broader reform agenda.

“The success of President Tinubu’s tax reform depends significantly on the Office of the Tax Ombud,” he said, describing it as a “critical assurance to taxpayers of the government’s commitment to fairness.”

The meeting also explored strategies for institutional collaboration and policy coordination under the Tax Implementation Framework Committee.