The Federal Government on Monday unveiled digital platforms for the Office of the Tax Ombud (OTO) to strengthen transparency, accountability and fairness in Nigeria’s tax administration system.
The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, who unveiled the website, call centre and management portal in Abuja, described the initiative as a feat in the government’s ongoing fiscal reforms and taxpayer protection efforts.
Oyedele said that the modern tax system must combine efficient revenue generation with fairness, transparency, accountability and public trust, adding that taxpayers deserve accessible, affordable and timely dispute resolution mechanisms whenever disagreements arise within the tax system.
According to him, the OTO will serve as an independent and impartial platform for resolving complaints and mediating tax-related disputes and also address systemic issues affecting taxpayers and improve confidence in the nation’s tax administration process.
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The minister said the website, toll-free call centre and case management system would improve accessibility and operational efficiency through technology, stressing government’s commitment to protecting taxpayers’ rights and encouraging voluntary compliance.
Clarifying that the reforms align with broader efforts to simplify tax administration and build a fair, globally competitive fiscal system, Oyedele pointed out that disputes remained inevitable in taxation, but credible systems provided transparent and trusted mechanisms for dispute resolution.
The minister commended the OTO, Joint Tax Board (JTB), Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) and state revenue agencies for supporting the initiative.
In his remarks at the event, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of OTO, Dr John Nwabueze, said that the initiative was a landmark for institutional reform under the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Act, 2025 and expressed optimism that the platforms promote fairness, transparency, accountability and efficiency in tax administration across the country.
Nwabueze maintained that modern tax systems must prioritise fairness, accessibility, dispute resolution and public trust, and revenue generation and promised that the OTO would provide taxpayers with accessible and cost-effective dispute resolution mechanisms.
In addition, he assured that the office would bridge gaps between taxpayers and revenue authorities through mediation and stakeholder engagement, adding that the platforms would improve taxpayer experience through digital access and real-time case tracking.
