The President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government on Monday declared that Nigeria’s tax administration system is entering a new phase where taxpayers would be treated as partners in national development rather than opponents of government.
Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, stated this in Abuja during the unveiling of the Office of the Tax Ombud’s website, toll-free call centre and digital case management platform.
Oyedele said the launch of the new platforms marks another step in the government’s ongoing tax reform programme aimed at making the system fairer, more transparent and easier for Nigerians to use.
According to him, a credible tax system should not focus only on revenue collection but must also ensure that citizens are treated fairly whenever disagreements arise between taxpayers and tax authorities.
He explained that disputes are common in tax administration across the world, but what matters most is the existence of trusted systems that allow complaints to be resolved quickly, fairly and without unnecessary hardship.
The minister said the Office of the Tax Ombudsman was created to provide Nigerians with an independent and accessible channel for resolving tax-related complaints and mediating disputes involving tax authorities.
He noted that the newly introduced digital platforms would make it easier for taxpayers across the country to seek help, file complaints and follow up on their cases without physical barriers or extra costs.
“The good news is that these services are completely free. Taxpayers can now access support and dispute resolution processes more easily regardless of where they are located,” he said.
Oyedele added that the initiative forms part of broader reforms designed to simplify tax administration, reduce arbitrary actions, protect taxpayers’ rights and encourage voluntary compliance.
He said government wants Nigerians to have confidence that they will be listened to respectfully and treated fairly whenever issues arise within the tax system.
Also speaking at the event, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, said the new platforms should not be viewed merely as technology projects but as tools for improving service delivery to citizens.
She urged officials of the Tax Ombudsman’s office to ensure that the website remains active and informative while the toll-free call centre operates professionally and responds promptly to taxpayers’ complaints.
According to her, the case management system should improve tracking of complaints, speed up resolution processes and provide data that can help government improve tax administration.
Walson-Jack said the initiative aligns with ongoing reforms in the Federal Civil Service aimed at building a more digital, transparent and citizen-focused public sector.
She noted that the platforms would help reduce delays, remove unnecessary bureaucracy and improve communication between government institutions and the public.
In his remarks, Tax Ombud and Chief Executive Officer of the Office of the Tax Ombud, Dr. John Nwabueze, described the launch as the beginning of a new approach to taxpayer services in Nigeria.
He said the digital system would allow individuals, businesses and other stakeholders to submit complaints online or through the call centre, monitor the progress of their cases in real time and access taxpayer information more easily.
Nwabueze added that trained support staff would also be available to assist taxpayers and provide guidance where necessary.
According to him, the platforms were developed in line with international standards for digital public service delivery and are expected to improve public confidence in the tax system.
He stressed that building trust between citizens and government requires transparency, consistency and continuous public engagement.
The Tax Ombud called on the media, civil society organisations and professional groups to support efforts aimed at increasing taxpayer education and awareness across the country.
“Our vision is to ensure that every Nigerian taxpayer, regardless of income level, business size or location, has access to fair hearing and quality taxpayer services,” he said.
Executive Secretary of the Joint Revenue Board, Mr. Olusegun Adesokan, said the creation of the Office of the Tax Ombud would strengthen fairness and accountability within Nigeria’s tax administration system.
He explained that many Nigerians often feel frustrated when disputes arise over taxes, levies and charges, adding that the new office would now provide an independent platform for mediation at no cost to citizens.
Adesokan said greater responsiveness by the Tax Ombud’s office would improve public trust and encourage more Nigerians to comply voluntarily with tax obligations.
He assured the office of the support of the Joint Revenue Board in improving tax administration and taxpayer confidence across the country.
Credit: thenationonlineng.net
