The Federal Government has introduced free platforms that allow Nigerians to resolve tax-related disputes without paying legal or administrative fees.
The new initiative, launched through the Office of the Tax Ombud, includes a dedicated website, toll-free call centre and digital case management system designed to make tax complaint resolution easier and more transparent.
Speaking during the unveiling in Abuja on Monday, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, said the platforms would give taxpayers across the country easier access to dispute resolution services without unnecessary delays or bureaucratic obstacles.
He described the development as a major step in Nigeria’s ongoing fiscal reforms, stressing that an effective tax system must be built on trust, fairness, accountability and transparency rather than aggressive revenue collection alone.
According to Oyedele, the Office of the Tax Ombud was created to protect taxpayers, address complaints independently and improve public confidence in the nation’s tax administration process.
He explained that the office would serve as a neutral platform where disputes between taxpayers and revenue authorities could be resolved fairly and efficiently.
The minister added that the initiative supports the Federal Government’s broader tax reform agenda focused on simplifying tax processes, reducing arbitrary enforcement, protecting taxpayer rights and encouraging voluntary compliance.
Oyedele said the launch signals a new approach to taxation in Nigeria where citizens are treated as partners in national development instead of opponents of government policies.
Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said Nigerians needed greater awareness of the role of the Tax Ombud in the government’s economic reform programme.
He defended the Tinubu administration’s reforms, claiming that the economy was gradually improving alongside stronger revenue generation and increasing investment inflows.
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, described the platforms as citizen-focused reforms aimed at improving accessibility, transparency and faster complaint resolution within public institutions.
According to her, an effective tax system must not only generate revenue but also strengthen public confidence by ensuring that taxpayers have a reliable channel for resolving grievances.
She urged the Office of the Tax Ombud to ensure the website remains active, the toll-free lines responsive and the case management system capable of delivering quick feedback and measurable improvements in service delivery.
Earlier, Nigeria’s first Tax Ombudsman and Chief Executive of the Office of the Tax Ombud, John Nwabueze, explained that the institution was established under the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria Establishment Act 2025 to promote fairness and efficiency in tax administration.
He described the office as one of the Tinubu administration’s major institutional reforms aimed at providing taxpayers with accessible and cost-effective alternatives to lengthy court battles.
Nwabueze stated that the digital platforms would allow Nigerians to submit complaints online or through the call centre, monitor the progress of their cases and access mediation services in real time.
According to him, the office would function as a bridge between taxpayers and revenue agencies through mediation, conciliation and alternative dispute resolution processes designed to reduce litigation and improve efficiency.
The Executive Secretary of the Joint Revenue Board, Olusegun Adesokan, also said the initiative was introduced to protect taxpayer rights and help Nigerians resolve disputes without financial pressure.
He noted that the platforms would especially benefit vulnerable citizens who may not have the resources to hire lawyers or tax consultants.
Special Adviser to the President on Economic Affairs, Tope Fasua, said the Tax Ombud forms part of the wider tax reform programme introduced by President Bola Tinubu’s administration after taking office in 2023.
Fasua explained that the office was created to serve as the first point of contact for resolving tax-related issues while supporting efforts to widen the tax net without overburdening low-income earners and small businesses.
In June 2025, President Tinubu signed four major tax reform bills into law, including the Nigeria Tax Act, aimed at modernising Nigeria’s outdated tax system and strengthening fiscal administration.
