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Digital Services: Nigeria Expands Taxpayer Protection

by admin on | 2026-05-20 20:55:41

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Digital Services: Nigeria Expands Taxpayer Protection

By Mohammad Bala Imam

The Office of the Tax Ombud has unveiled its official website, toll-free call centre, and case management system as part of efforts to improve taxpayer protection, enhance public access, and strengthen confidence in Nigeria’s tax administration system.

The platforms will enable users to lodge complaints seamlessly, both online and via telephone. They will also allow taxpayers to track the status of cases in real time and access taxpayer information and guidance easily.

Speaking at the launch in Abuja, Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, described the initiative as a major milestone in the country’s fiscal reform journey.

He said a modern tax system must go beyond revenue collection to embrace fairness, accountability, transparency, and trust.

According to Oyedele, taxpayers must have confidence that whenever disputes arise, there are transparent, efficient, and affordable mechanisms for resolving them.

“The establishment of the Office of the Tax Ombud reflects our commitment to strengthening taxpayer protection and improving confidence in the tax system,” he said.

Oyedele explained that the institution would serve as an independent and impartial platform for resolving complaints, mediating disputes, and addressing systemic issues affecting taxpayers across the country.

He added that the newly introduced digital platforms would improve accessibility by enabling taxpayers nationwide to engage with the dispute resolution process without unnecessary delays or administrative bottlenecks.

“The good news is that it is entirely free,” he noted.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, urged the Office of the Tax Ombudsman to create greater awareness so Nigerians can better understand its role in the nation’s tax sector.

“This is imperative, especially at a time when President Bola Tinubu has embarked on enormous reforms to reposition the country on a path to sustainable progress and development.

“It is important for all of us to understand what these reforms entail and the direction they are taking.

“Already, as the President has highlighted, there is indeed light at the end of the tunnel.”

Also speaking, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Esther Walson-Jack, commended the Office of the Tax Ombud for deploying technology to improve service delivery and public engagement.

She said the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s drive toward a more digital, transparent, accountable, and citizen-centred public service.

“When citizens and businesses know that there is a credible platform through which their concerns can be received, tracked, and resolved, it strengthens voluntary compliance and deepens confidence in the tax system,” she stated.

The Head of Service further urged the Tax Ombud team to ensure the platforms remain responsive, informative, and efficient in handling complaints and enquiries.

The Tax Ombudsman, John Nwabueze, said the institution was created to promote fairness, transparency, accountability, and efficiency in tax administration across the country.

Nwabueze noted that the launch of the platforms marked more than a technology rollout, describing it as the activation of a new public service architecture centred on accessibility, responsiveness, and citizen confidence.

“Our mandate is clear: to serve as a trusted bridge between taxpayers and revenue authorities through negotiation, consultation, stakeholder engagement, and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms that reduce the burden of prolonged litigation and enhance institutional efficiency,” he said.

Nwabueze added that the digital platforms would enable taxpayers, businesses, and other stakeholders to lodge complaints online or through telephone channels, track cases in real time, access taxpayer information, and receive professional support services seamlessly.

The Tax Ombudsman stressed that institutional trust must be continuously earned through transparency, consistency, and effective communication.

He called on the media, civil society organisations, professional bodies, and strategic partners to support taxpayer education campaigns nationwide.

“Our vision is simple but transformative.

“Every Nigerian taxpayer, regardless of location, income level, or business size, should have access to a fair hearing, efficient redress mechanisms, and quality taxpayer services,” he stated.

He also reminded Nigerians that paying taxes remains a civic responsibility, while assuring citizens that the government has established the Office of the Tax Ombudsman to address disputes arising from tax administration processes.