The Office of the Tax Ombud (OTO) has intensified efforts to tackle multiple taxation and other challenges affecting taxpayer confidence in Nigeria’s tax administration.
The Tax Ombud and Chief Executive Officer, Dr John Nwabueze, disclosed this at the office’s third-quarter Breakfast Meeting with newsmen in Lagos. He said the OTO was strengthening its mediation and complaint-resolution mechanisms to ensure taxpayers received timely redress from revenue authorities.
Nwabueze said the office had received more than 20 genuine complaints within three months, mostly involving state revenue services, with eight resolved within the statutory 14-day period. He added that the OTO had expanded its team of accountants and legal experts to handle complex tax disputes, including potential cases involving digital asset taxation.
To make its services more accessible, the office has introduced a digital complaints portal, case management system, toll-free call centre and SMS callback service. Nwabueze said plans were also underway to establish offices across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, particularly to improve access for taxpayers at the grassroots.
On multiple taxation, he described the problem as an endemic challenge requiring stronger cooperation among federal, state and local authorities. He said the OTO was engaging the Joint Revenue Board, state governments and local councils to develop sustainable solutions.
Nwabueze also announced plans for a nationwide public awareness campaign to educate taxpayers about their rights and available channels for seeking redress. He urged the media and other stakeholders to help Nigerians understand the role of the Tax Ombud in promoting fairness, accountability and justice between taxpayers and revenue authorities.
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