The Office of the Tax Ombudsman in Nigeria has reported resolving approximately 82 percent of complaints received from taxpayers since its establishment. As part of a broader strategy to enhance service delivery, the office plans to open six regional offices across the country’s geopolitical zones before the end of the year.
Dr John Nwabueze, the Tax Ombudsman, disclosed these figures during the fourth-quarter 2026 Breakfast Meeting with members of the Finance Correspondents Association of Nigeria (FICAN) in Abuja on Friday. He stated that the proposed regional offices are intended to bring the office’s services closer to taxpayers and improve the resolution of tax-related disputes nationwide.
Nwabueze noted that the commencement of operations at these new offices is contingent upon the approval of President Bola Tinubu and the completion of necessary administrative and operational arrangements. The expansion is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the office’s presence and make it easier for Nigerians to seek redress in their dealings with tax and revenue authorities.
In addition to physical expansion, the office is finalizing a multilingual online complaint platform designed to allow users to submit grievances and access information regarding the office’s mandate. Nwabueze described the platform as user-friendly and accessible in various languages to improve public understanding and accessibility of the office’s responsibilities.
To address delays in correspondence that have occasionally affected the timely resolution of cases, despite a standard 14-day timeline, the office is working to establish dedicated Tax Ombudsman desks within state tax authorities and other revenue-generating institutions. These desks aim to facilitate real-time communication, eliminate unnecessary administrative delays, and improve overall efficiency in complaint handling.
“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.”
Nwabueze emphasized that the services of the Office of the Tax Ombudsman are free of charge, positioning the office as an accessible and cost-effective alternative to lengthy court proceedings. He urged taxpayers experiencing difficulties with tax authorities to seek the office’s intervention, while noting that intensified public awareness campaigns and ongoing discussions with government agencies are helping to extend the office’s reach, particularly to taxpayers in rural communities.
<small>Source: The Sun Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
