The Federal Government has launched a new digital platform known as the Office of the Tax Ombud to help Nigerians resolve tax-related complaints quickly and free of charge.
The new system includes an official website, a toll-free call centre, and a digital case management platform that will allow individuals and businesses to submit complaints, monitor progress, and receive feedback faster than before.
Government officials unveiled the initiative in Abuja on Monday, describing it as a major step toward improving fairness, transparency, and trust in Nigeria’s tax system.
Speaking during the launch, the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, said the platform was created to protect taxpayers and strengthen confidence in tax administration across the country.
According to him, the Office of the Tax Ombud will serve as an independent and neutral body where taxpayers can lodge complaints, resolve disputes, and address unfair tax practices without going through lengthy court processes.
He explained that the government wants the tax system to focus not only on generating revenue but also on fairness, accountability, and transparency.
Oyedele noted that technology would play a major role in improving access to tax dispute resolution, especially for Nigerians living outside major cities.
He said taxpayers can now handle complaints online without unnecessary delays or administrative stress, adding that the entire process is completely free.
The official added that the initiative supports the Federal Government’s ongoing tax reform agenda aimed at simplifying tax administration, protecting taxpayers’ rights, reducing arbitrary practices, and encouraging voluntary tax compliance.
According to him, disagreements between taxpayers and tax authorities are normal in any system, but what matters most is having a transparent and trusted process for resolving such disputes.
He described the launch as the beginning of a new phase in Nigeria’s tax administration where citizens and businesses would be treated as partners in national development instead of opponents.
Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, urged Nigerians to remain patient with the economic reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu.
He stated that the reforms were already showing positive signs through rising Gross Domestic Product, improved foreign reserves, and easing inflation levels.
According to Idris, Nigeria’s foreign reserves have crossed the $50 billion mark while economic growth indicators continue to improve.
He stressed that Nigerians must continue supporting the administration’s economic agenda to allow the reforms produce long-term benefits for the country.
The minister described the launch of the Tax Ombud platform as a major milestone that would improve public trust, fairness, and accessibility in the nation’s tax administration system.
He also explained that taxation remains important for funding critical sectors such as infrastructure, healthcare, education, transportation, and security.
However, Idris emphasized that tax collection cannot succeed through enforcement alone, noting that public trust and proper communication are equally important.
He added that the toll-free call centre and website would remove communication barriers and make it easier for citizens to seek information and resolve complaints without financial burden.
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Esther Walson-Jack, also praised the initiative, describing it as a major step toward building citizen-focused public institutions.
She said the digital platforms would improve service delivery and strengthen public confidence in government institutions.
Walson-Jack urged officials managing the platform to ensure the website remains active, the call centre responsive, and the complaint system efficient and transparent.
Meanwhile, the Tax Ombud and Chief Executive Officer, John Nwabueze, said the goal is to ensure every Nigerian taxpayer — regardless of location, income level, or business size — has access to fair hearing and quality taxpayer services.
He added that the initiative would also help strengthen trust between the government and citizens while supporting Nigeria’s wider fiscal and tax reforms.
