In a landmark move to enhance transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s tax system, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of Dr. John Nwabueze as the country’s first-ever Tax Ombudsman.
The newly established office is designed to promote fairness, transparency, and public trust in the nation’s tax administration process — ensuring that taxpayers’ grievances are addressed swiftly and justly.
According to a statement from the Presidency, Dr. Nwabueze’s appointment aligns with the Tinubu administration’s broader fiscal reforms and commitment to improving revenue generation without compromising citizens’ rights.
The Tax Ombudsman will serve as an independent mediator between taxpayers and the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), as well as other tax authorities, to resolve disputes and ensure equitable treatment.
“This appointment underscores the President’s resolve to build a tax system that is not only efficient but also humane and just,” the statement read.
Dr. Nwabueze, a renowned tax law expert and former consultant to regional revenue boards, brings over two decades of experience in tax policy, governance, and fiscal transparency. He holds a PhD in Taxation Law from the University of Lagos and has advised both public and private institutions on reforming tax dispute resolution systems.
The establishment of the Office of the Tax Ombudsman is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s tax justice framework, encourage voluntary compliance, and build investor confidence in the country’s fiscal environment.
Stakeholders have praised the initiative as a progressive step that will “give the taxpayer a voice” in the system and reduce friction between citizens and tax authorities.
