Nigeria’s Tax Ombudsman will commence full operations on January 1, 2026, with a pledge to ensure fairness, impartiality and accountability in the country’s tax administration system.
The office of the tax ombud of Nigeria announced the date in a statement, detailing plans to strengthen taxpayer protection and improve confidence in tax administration.
President Bola Tinubu recently appointed John Nwabueze as the pioneer tax ombud and chief executive officer (CEO) of the office.
Announcing the appointment earlier, Bayo Onanuga, the president’s special adviser on information and strategy, said the office was established to enhance transparency and accountability in the tax system while providing a structured and impartial mechanism for resolving disputes between taxpayers and revenue authorities.
According to Onanuga, the tax ombud office will receive, review and resolve complaints relating to taxes, levies, regulatory fees, customs duties, excise matters, and other related issues in line with existing laws and regulations.
He added that the office is also empowered to institute legal proceedings on behalf of taxpayers at no cost, provide information on the functions of tax authorities, and promote awareness of taxpayers’ rights and obligations.
In a statement signed by his chief press secretary (CPS), Chudi Achife, Nwabueze said the establishment of the office reflects President Tinubu’s commitment to seamless tax dispute resolution and the protection of taxpayers against arbitrary actions by revenue agencies.
Nwabueze commended the president’s economic policies, noting that they were stabilising the Nigerian economy and steering the country towards sustainable prosperity.
He cited improvements including a declining inflation rate, stable exchange rate, growing foreign reserves, rising investor confidence, a bullish market, and an export surplus.
The Tax Ombud, who has over two decades of experience in tax administration and policy in Nigeria and the United States, said the new office underscores the President’s foresight in reforming tax administration.
“Establishing the Office of the Tax Ombud demonstrates President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ingenuity and pragmatic leadership in ensuring fairness, accountability and efficiency in tax administration,” he said.
Nwabueze also praised Wale Edun, minister of finance and coordinating minister of the economy, for his role in implementing the renewed hope agenda across the economy.
He disclosed that the office has lined up a series of press briefings and stakeholder engagements to inform Nigerians of its vision and plans for a fair, transparent and efficient tax justice system ahead of its formal take-off in 2026.
