TAX REFORM: FG OPENS TOLL-FREE TAX COMPLAINT CHANNELS NATIONWIDE

The Federal Government has unveiled a free tax dispute resolution mechanism for Nigerians through newly launched digital platforms under the Office of the Tax Ombud, in a move aimed at deepening transparency, fairness, and accountability in the nation’s tax administration system.

Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, announced the initiative during the official rollout of the Tax Ombud website, toll-free call centre, and case management system in Abuja.

Oyedele said the platforms would provide taxpayers nationwide with easier access to dispute resolution services without financial burden or bureaucratic obstacles.

He described the development as a critical step in Nigeria’s fiscal reform agenda, noting that a sustainable tax system must be anchored on public trust, fairness, and transparency rather than solely on revenue generation.

According to him, the Tax Ombud office was established as an independent institution to safeguard taxpayers’ rights, mediate disputes, and address structural concerns within the tax system.

He explained that the initiative forms part of broader government reforms designed to simplify tax processes, reduce arbitrary practices, encourage voluntary compliance, and position Nigeria’s fiscal environment for global competitiveness.

Oyedele emphasised that the reforms signal a shift towards a taxpayer-friendly system where citizens are regarded as partners in national development.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stressed the importance of public enlightenment on the role of the Tax Ombud, particularly within the framework of President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms.

Idris maintained that recent reforms were beginning to yield positive economic outcomes, citing improvements in revenue generation and investment attraction.

Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, also praised the initiative, describing it as a people-focused reform that would enhance access to justice and strengthen public trust in governance.

She said efficient tax administration should not only prioritise revenue collection but also ensure citizens have credible channels for addressing grievances.

Walson-Jack urged the Office of the Tax Ombud to maintain professionalism, responsiveness, and efficiency in managing complaints through its digital platforms.

Nigeria’s pioneer Tax Ombudsman and Chief Executive Officer of the office, John Nwabueze, said the agency was created under the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria Establishment Act 2025 as an impartial body dedicated to resolving tax-related complaints promptly and affordably.

He noted that the office would provide mediation, conciliation, and alternative dispute resolution services to reduce prolonged legal battles and improve confidence in the tax system.

Executive Secretary of the Joint Revenue Board, Olusegun Adesokan, said the initiative was specifically designed to support taxpayers, especially vulnerable individuals who may lack resources to pursue conventional legal channels.

Special Adviser to the President on Economic Affairs, Tope Fasua, said the Tax Ombud initiative was a major component of the administration’s comprehensive tax reform strategy introduced since 2023.

He explained that the reforms seek to broaden the tax base while shielding low-income earners and small businesses from excessive tax pressure.

The launch follows President Tinubu’s assent to four major tax reform laws in June 2025, marking one of the most extensive overhauls of Nigeria’s tax framework in decades.