Nigeria’s newly established Office of the Tax Ombud will commence full operations on January 1, 2026, marking a significant step in the Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen transparency, accountability and fairness in the country’s tax administration.

The disclosure was made in a statement issued by the Office of the Tax Ombud, following the recent appointment of Dr John Nwabueze by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, as the pioneer Tax Ombud and Chief Executive Officer.

Announcing the appointment earlier, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, said the creation of the office was aimed at enhancing public confidence in the tax system and providing a structured mechanism for the fair and impartial resolution of disputes between taxpayers and revenue authorities.

According to Onanuga, the Office of the Tax Ombud is empowered to receive, review and resolve complaints relating to taxes, levies, regulatory fees, customs duties, excise matters and other related issues, in line with existing laws and regulations. The office also has the authority to institute legal proceedings on behalf of taxpayers at no cost, provide information on the functions of tax authorities, and promote awareness of taxpayers’ rights and obligations.

In a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Tax Ombud, Mr Chudi Achife, Dr Nwabueze described the establishment of the office as a clear demonstration of President Tinubu’s commitment to protecting taxpayers’ rights and ensuring amicable and seamless resolution of tax disputes.

He commended the President’s economic reforms, noting that they were beginning to stabilise the Nigerian economy and guide the country towards sustainable prosperity. Dr Nwabueze cited declining inflation, exchange rate stability, growing foreign reserves, increased investor confidence, a bullish capital market and an export surplus as indicators of progress.

With over two decades of experience in tax administration and policy in Nigeria and the United States, Dr Nwabueze said he shared the President’s pragmatic leadership philosophy.

“Establishing the Office of the Tax Ombud shows President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ingenuity and foresight in reforming tax administration to ensure fairness, accountability and efficiency,” he said.

The Tax Ombud also lauded the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, for his role in implementing the Renewed Hope Agenda across critical sectors of the economy.

Dr Nwabueze disclosed that the office has lined up a series of activities ahead of its full take-off, including press briefings and stakeholder engagements, aimed at communicating its vision and operational framework to the public.

He reaffirmed the office’s commitment to building a fair, transparent, accountable and efficient tax justice system that guarantees impartial treatment for all taxpayers.