Tinubu Appoints Dr. John Nwabueze as Nigeria’s First Tax Ombudsman to Strengthen Transparency and Tax Fairness
President Bola Tinubu has appointed Dr. John Nwabueze as Nigeria’s first Tax Ombudsman, marking a historic milestone in the country’s ongoing fiscal reforms. The appointment, announced by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, is part of Tinubu’s broader agenda to strengthen confidence in Nigeria’s tax system and ensure fairness and accountability in revenue administration.
Dr. Nwabueze, an accomplished tax expert from Oshimili South Local Government Area of Delta State, brings over three decades of experience in tax policy, fiscal reform, and economic governance. He has served as Managing Partner of a leading tax advisory firm and held several advisory roles, including Technical Adviser to the Joint Senate Committees on Finance and the FCT, and to the Chief Economic Adviser under former President Olusegun Obasanjo. His academic background includes a Doctorate in Public Administration (Finance) from Walden University, USA, and multiple degrees in Accounting and Mathematics.
According to the Presidency, the Office of the Tax Ombudsman was created to act as an independent and impartial channel for resolving tax-related complaints. It will handle issues involving taxes, levies, customs duties, and regulatory fees, ensuring fair treatment for both individuals and businesses. The new office aims to enhance transparency, reduce abuse of power among tax officials, and encourage voluntary tax compliance through trust and due process.
President Tinubu expressed confidence in Dr. Nwabueze’s integrity and leadership, noting that his appointment reflects the administration’s commitment to building a fair, transparent, and citizen-focused tax system. The ombudsman’s office is also expected to collaborate closely with the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Nigeria Customs Service, and state revenue agencies to streamline processes, reduce disputes, and promote efficiency across the board.
The creation of this office aligns Nigeria’s tax administration with global best practices, where tax ombudsman offices serve as oversight bodies to protect taxpayer rights. Experts say this reform will help rebuild public trust, reduce litigation, and attract more investment by fostering a predictable and fair tax environment. It comes as part of Nigeria’s ongoing fiscal reforms, which include the 2025 Tax Reform Act aimed at broadening the tax base and improving service delivery nationwide.
source: nairametrics