The Office of the Tax Ombudsman announced that it has resolved roughly 82 percent of the complaints it has received from taxpayers since it was established. The office also revealed plans to open six regional branches across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones before the end of the year.
Dr. John Nwabueze, the Ombudsman, made the statements in Abuja on Friday during the fourth‑quarter 2026 Breakfast Meeting with members of the Finance Correspondents Association of Nigeria (FICAN). He said the new offices would bring the office’s services closer to taxpayers and improve the resolution of tax‑related disputes.
The launch of the regional offices, however, is contingent on approval from President Bola Tinubu and the completion of the necessary administrative and operational arrangements. The expansion is part of an effort to strengthen the office’s nationwide presence and make it easier for Nigerians to seek redress over complaints arising from their dealings with tax and revenue authorities.
In addition to the physical expansion, the Ombudsman said the office is finalising a multilingual online complaint platform that will allow Nigerians to submit complaints and access information about the office’s mandate. The platform is intended to be user‑friendly and available in several languages to improve public understanding of the office’s responsibilities.
To speed up the complaint‑handling process, the office is working to establish dedicated Tax Ombudsman desks within state tax authorities and other revenue‑generating institutions. These desks are expected to facilitate real‑time communication and reduce administrative delays that have sometimes affected the 14‑day timeline the office has set for addressing cases.
Dr. Nwabueze also highlighted intensified stakeholder engagement and public‑awareness campaigns through traditional and modern communication channels. He reminded taxpayers that the services of the Office of the Tax Ombudsman are free and that the office provides an accessible, cost‑effective alternative to lengthy court proceedings. “We are dedicated to building trust in the tax system and ensuring that all Nigerians have their voices heard. With the proposed launch of our regional offices and continued investment in public awareness and stakeholder engagement, we are confident in our ability to serve the nation better,” he said.
<small>Source: The Sun Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
