Nigeria's Tax Ombud urges citizens to challenge unfair tax assessments

Dr. John Nwabueze, Nigeria's first Tax Ombud and Chief Executive of the Office of the Tax Ombud, has called on Nigerians and businesses to utilize the newly established office to address unfair tax assessments, multiple taxation, and disputes with revenue agencies. Speaking in Abuja, Nwabueze stated that the office provides an independent platform for taxpayers who previously lacked a means to challenge unfair treatment by tax authorities. The office acts as an impartial institution for resolving complaints through mediation, conciliation, and alternative dispute resolution, serving as a first point of contact before taxpayers seek legal redress. While not a court, it offers a primary layer of dispute resolution, with matters still able to proceed to the Tax Appeal Tribunal if parties are dissatisfied. The Nigerian Tax Ombud's mandate is broader than similar offices in some other countries, covering tax and revenue-related complaints involving agencies like the Nigeria Revenue Service, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, and the Nigerian Ports Authority. The office has already begun receiving complaints, including cases from the Niger State Internal Revenue Service and NIMASA. Nwabueze emphasized that the office aims to strengthen transparency, accountability, fairness, and taxpayer confidence, protecting taxpayer rights while ensuring compliance with legitimate obligations. He acknowledged past instances of unfair treatment for taxpay