From Ogbueshi to National Service, Asagba Celebrates Tax Ombud
By Yusuf Issa An-Nuphawi
The ancient city of Asaba came alive on May 30, 2026, as traditional rulers, business leaders, politicians, professionals, and distinguished sons and daughters of the kingdom gathered to celebrate one of their own, Dr. John Nwabueze, the pioneer Tax Ombud/Chief Executive of the Office of the Tax Ombud.
The colourful civic reception, hosted by the Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty Professor Epiphany Azinge, SAN, OON, was organised in honour of Dr. Nwabueze and other eminent Asaba indigenes who have recently attained positions of national prominence. The event served not only as a celebration of individual achievements but also as a reaffirmation of the values of service, excellence, and commitment to nation-building that the Asaba Kingdom proudly upholds.
For many attendees, the honour accorded to Dr. Nwabueze was well deserved. Widely regarded as a seasoned tax administrator and public servant, he embodies the ideals upon which the Office of the Tax Ombud was established, fairness, accountability, transparency, and justice in tax administration.
His appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, as Nigeria’s pioneer Tax Ombud/Chief Executive of the Office of the Tax Ombud was widely received as a thoughtful and strategic decision aimed at strengthening taxpayer protection and promoting confidence in the nation’s tax system. For the people of Asaba, the appointment was a source of immense pride and worthy of celebration.
Speaking at the event, the Asagba of Asaba, Professor Epiphany Azinge, SAN, OON, explained that the civic reception was intended to honour excellence in public service and inspire younger generations to aspire to leadership and national service. He noted that the gathering also provided an opportunity to foster unity, peace, and prosperity within the kingdom, values that align with the developmental aspirations of the current administration.
Significantly, this was not the first honour bestowed upon Dr. Nwabueze by the Asagba. In recognition of his contributions to the progress and development of the community, the revered monarch had earlier conferred on him the prestigious traditional title of Ogbueshi, a title reserved for distinguished sons of the kingdom who have demonstrated exemplary leadership and service.
Since assuming office as the pioneer Tax Ombud, Dr. Nwabueze has recorded notable milestones in laying the foundation for what is emerging as a critical institution in Nigeria’s tax administration framework.
Under his leadership, the Office of the Tax Ombud has commenced the establishment of systems and structures for handling taxpayer complaints and resolving disputes between taxpayers and tax authorities. The institution has also intensified stakeholder engagement across the country, creating awareness about taxpayer rights and available channels for dispute resolution.
One of the landmark achievements of the office has been the launch of a digital Call Centre and integrated Case Management Portal designed to improve taxpayer access to services, enhance transparency, and accelerate the resolution of complaints. The initiative represents a significant step towards modernising taxpayer support services and promoting confidence in the tax administration system.
Dr. Nwabueze has also championed strategic engagements with key stakeholders, including government agencies, professional bodies, business organisations, media executives, and civil society groups, aimed at deepening public understanding of the mandate of the Office of the Tax Ombud. Through these engagements, the office has positioned itself as an independent and impartial institution dedicated to protecting taxpayer rights while supporting voluntary tax compliance.
In addition, he has strengthened collaboration with the professional associations, and development partners to promote alternative dispute resolution mechanisms and improve tax administration practices. These efforts are contributing to the broader national objective of growing the tax revenue through a fair, efficient, and taxpayer-friendly tax system.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Nwabueze expressed profound gratitude to the people of Asaba for the recognition and warm reception, describing the honour as both humbling and inspiring.
“To be celebrated by my own people fills me with profound gratitude and joy. It reminds me of my responsibilities to my community and strengthens my resolve to serve with integrity and dedication,” he said.
He paid special tribute to the Asagba of Asaba for his visionary leadership and for consistently recognising sons and daughters of the kingdom who have distinguished themselves in public service.
“Our appointments are not for personal glory but for public duty. They are a call to represent Asaba well, to serve Nigeria, to serve humanity, and to ensure that government works for all Nigerians,” he stated.
Dr. Nwabueze also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, for his economic reform agenda and efforts to strengthen public institutions. He described the establishment of the Office of the Tax Ombud as a significant demonstration of the administration’s commitment to fairness, accountability, transparency, and efficiency in tax administration.
According to him, the reception was more than a celebration; it was a charge from the Asagba and the people of Asaba to continue serving with excellence while upholding the values, dignity, and reputation of the kingdom in every sphere of responsibility.
Dr. Nwabueze sought the continued prayers, guidance, and support of the community as he undertakes the enormous responsibility of leading a new institution expected to strengthen trust between taxpayers and tax authorities.
The civic reception not only celebrated a distinguished son of Asaba but also underscored the growing national significance of the Office of the Tax Ombud. For Dr. John Nwabueze, the honours bestowed upon him by his people serve as both recognition of past achievements and a renewed call to service. As the holder of the revered title of Ogbueshi and now the recipient of yet another royal honour, his journey continues to reflect a commitment to public service, institutional reform, and the pursuit of justice in Nigeria’s tax administration system.
Yusuf Issa An-Nuphawi writes from the Offce of the Tax Ombud, Abuja – Nigeria