Tax Ombud Nwabueze Canvasses ‘People-Centered’ Tax System at IMF Conference
Nigeria’s Tax Ombud and Chief Executive of the Office of the Tax Ombud, John Nwabueze, has canvassed for a fair and people-centered tax system as he joined global leaders at the 2026 World Bank Group–IMF Spring Meetings in Washington, DC.
This was contained in a statement signed by Chukwudi Achife, Chief Press Secretary to the Tax Ombud, which noted that Nwabueze actively participated in tax-focused policy discussions, engaging with stakeholders from the World Bank Group, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and other international partners.
A highlight of his participation was the IMF high-level conference on “Making Taxes Work for the People.”
Speaking at the session, Nwabueze says, “Tax systems must be fair, efficient, and people-centered. Our work at the Office of the Tax Ombud is to ensure tax justice, strengthen taxpayer advocacy, and improve voluntary compliance.”
He also attended Fiscal Affairs Department meetings at the IMF, joining senior officials from across Africa to deliberate on regional fiscal challenges.
On the sidelines, Nwabueze met with Paulo Paz, Project Manager for Nigeria under the Global Public-Private Partnership Programme, to explore areas of collaboration.
In addition, he held strategic engagements with Nigeria’s Minister of Finance, Wale Edun; the Executive Director for Nigeria, Angola, and South Africa at the World Bank, Mrs. Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed; and Dr. Kingsley Obiora, former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria.
Reflecting on the meetings, Nwabueze said, “The Spring Meetings provided a vital platform to underscore the role of the Tax Ombud in advancing Nigeria’s fiscal reform agenda.
“We are committed to enhancing revenue mobilization while safeguarding the economic well-being of Nigerians.”
The 2026 Spring Meetings convened finance ministers, central bank governors, policymakers, and civil society leaders from around the world to deliberate on pressing global issues, including financial stability, climate change, fiscal policy, food security, and social inclusion.