The Federal Government has launched a new free tax dispute resolution system in Nigeria, allowing taxpayers to resolve issues without paying legal or administrative fees. The initiative is being driven through newly introduced Tax Ombud digital platforms aimed at improving fairness, transparency, and accountability in the country’s tax system.
The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, announced the development during the official unveiling of the Tax Ombud website, toll-free call centre, and case management system in Abuja. He said the reform is designed to remove bottlenecks in tax dispute handling and make access to justice easier for all taxpayers, regardless of location.
He explained that the Office of the Tax Ombud will serve as an independent platform for resolving complaints and mediating disputes between taxpayers and revenue authorities. According to him, the reform reflects a shift toward a fairer tax culture built on trust rather than fear, positioning citizens as partners in national development rather than adversaries.
Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, emphasized that the digital platforms will improve public engagement and strengthen confidence in government institutions. Walson-Jack noted that accessible complaint systems are key to improving voluntary tax compliance and reducing disputes.
The Tax Ombud office, led by John Nwabueze, confirmed that taxpayers can now lodge complaints online, track cases in real time, and access mediation services free of charge. Officials including Olusegun Adesokan and Tope Fasua said the reform is part of broader tax modernization efforts under President Bola Tinubu, aimed at expanding compliance while protecting low-income earners and small businesses.
source: punch