The Office of the Tax Ombud has said it would serve as a neutral channel for resolving disputes between taxpayers and revenue authorities, with a focus on dialogue, mediation and fairness, rather than parties engaging in prolonged court cases.

The Chief Executive of the Office of the Tax Ombud, Dr. John Nwabueze, stated this during the 159th meeting of the Joint Revenue Board and at a breakfast meeting with Business Editors in Lagos.

He zeroed in on the role of the newly established office in Nigeria’s ongoing tax reforms, saying the Tax Ombud was created to protect taxpayer rights, promote accountability and improve confidence in the nation’s tax administration system.

According to a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary of the office, Chukwudi Achife, the Tax Ombud agency would receive complaints from taxpayers, investigate grievances and work with relevant authorities to settle disputes through mediation and conciliation.

“These processes are faster, more affordable and less confrontational than going through the courts,” he said.

Dr. Nwabueze explained that the office would not determine how much tax individuals, or businesses should pay, neither would it replace the courts or the Tax Appeal Tribunal, but rather, Tax Ombud would ensure that tax administration is carried out in a transparent and accountable manner.

“The Office of the Tax Ombud is an independent body created to promote fairness and accountability in tax administration while protecting the rights of taxpayers,” he said.

He said beyond handling individual complaints, the office would also identify recurring problems within the tax system and recommend reforms aimed at ensurng efficiency, transparency and fairness in revenue administration.

According to him, the institution was established at a critical time when the country is implementing major fiscal and tax reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

Dr. Nwabueze said the office would help reduce tension that may arise from the implementation of new tax policies by building trust between taxpayers and revenue agencies.

“The OTO helps to ensure that compliance with the new tax laws is driven not by fear or coercion, but by trust and understanding,” he said.

He added that improving trust in the tax system would encourage voluntary compliance, widen the tax base and strengthen government revenue generation.

The Tax Ombud chief described the office as part of a broader effort to build a modern and people-focused tax system that balances government revenue needs with justice and due process.

He said, “The establishment of the office demonstrates Nigeria’s commitment to a modern, people-focused tax system that balances domestic revenue needs with justice and due process.”

He also called for stronger cooperation among federal and state revenue agencies, stressing that effective tax administration depends on collaboration among all stakeholders

“Our goal is to collaborate with all revenue institutions to strengthen how tax administration works in Nigeria,” he said.

He urged tax authorities to include the Office of the Tax Ombud in policy discussions and stakeholder engagements, so as to promote a more coordinated and efficient tax system across the country.

He appealed to journalists to support ongoing fiscal reforms by educating Nigerians on the functions of the Office of the Tax Ombud and how taxpayers can seek redress on tax-related grievances without cost.

He the office was finalising plans to launch a website and a toll-free call centre to make its services more accessible to Nigerians, adding that the office offers citizens a new opportunity to participate more actively in national development through a fair and responsive tax system.

Dr. Nwabueze commended President Tinubu for pursuing tax reforms aimed at fairness, inclusiveness and sustainable revenue growth, saying the reforms are built around a new relationship between government and taxpayers.

“At the core of the reforms lies a renewed social contract – one in which taxpayers are not passive partakers, but active partners in nation-building,” he said.

He also acknowledged the role of the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, in driving the ongoing reform process.

The Tax Ombud maintained that a fair and transparent tax system remains essential for public trust, economic growth and effective governance in the country.