FG Unveils Tax Ombud Website, Expands Access to Complaint System
The Federal Government on Monday launched the official website and toll-free call centre of the Tax Ombud Office as part of efforts to strengthen transparency, improve accessibility, and build public trust in Nigeria’s tax administration system.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, unveiled the platforms in Abuja, describing the initiative as a major milestone in promoting fairness, accountability, and citizen-focused tax administration under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Speaking at the event, Idris said effective communication and citizen engagement remained central to the success of ongoing economic reforms, particularly in tax administration.
“This is a major milestone in strengthening public trust, improving accessibility, and promoting fairness in Nigeria’s tax administration system. Effective communication and citizen engagement remain central to the success of ongoing economic reforms such as this,” the minister said.
He noted that the Tinubu administration remained committed to implementing strategic reforms aimed at strengthening revenue generation, enhancing fiscal sustainability, and accelerating national development.
According to him, taxation remains critical to national development by providing government with resources needed to invest in infrastructure, healthcare, education, transportation, and security.
The minister, however, stressed that sustainable tax administration must be driven not only by enforcement but also by transparency, fairness, and public confidence.
“Tax administration cannot succeed on enforcement alone. It must be supported by public trust, transparency, fairness, and effective communication,” Idris stated.
He explained that the Tax Ombud Office serves as a bridge between taxpayers and tax authorities, ensuring Nigerians have access to a fair and professional mechanism for resolving tax-related complaints.
Idris commended the launch of the toll-free call centre and website, noting that both platforms would remove communication barriers and improve access to tax information and services.
“The launch of the Toll-Free Call Centre demonstrates a commitment to removing communication barriers and ensuring that Nigerians can easily seek information, make enquiries, and resolve complaints without unnecessary difficulties or financial burden,” he added.
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Also speaking at the event, the Tax Ombud and Chief Executive Officer of the Office of the Tax Ombud, John C. Nwabueze, said the unveiling of the website, taxpayer call centre, and digital case management portal marked a major step towards improving taxpayer experience and strengthening dispute resolution mechanisms.
Nwabueze described the initiative as the activation of a citizen-centred tax service system designed to make tax complaint resolution more transparent, accessible, and efficient.
According to him, the digital platforms will enable taxpayers, businesses, and other stakeholders to file complaints online or through the toll-free call centre, track the status of cases in real time, access relevant taxpayer information, and interact directly with trained support personnel.
“This is more than a technology launch. It is the activation of a new public service architecture designed around accessibility, responsiveness, and citizen confidence,” he said.
He explained that the Office of the Tax Ombud was created as an independent and impartial institution to bridge the gap between taxpayers and revenue authorities through mediation, conciliation, stakeholder engagement, and alternative dispute resolution.
The Tax Ombud noted that the initiative aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to fairness, accountability, and inclusiveness in tax administration.
Nwabueze also commended the support of the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, for advancing fiscal reforms and taxpayer-focused governance.
He further acknowledged the contributions of the Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, Dr. Zachh Adedeji, and the Executive Secretary of the Joint Revenue Board, Olusegun Adesokan, towards strengthening tax administration reforms in the country.
The minister also underscored the importance of civic education and public enlightenment in promoting voluntary tax compliance and responsible citizenship.
According to Idris, misinformation and poor communication often undermine reform efforts and fuel public distrust, making stronger collaboration among government institutions, the media, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders necessary.
He pledged continued support from the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation in driving public sensitisation on tax reforms, taxpayers’ rights, and available complaint-resolution mechanisms.
Idris said clear and consistent communication would help Nigerians better understand the role taxation plays in supporting the government’s economic agenda and national development.
Also present at the event was the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Esther Walson-Jack, alongside other senior government officials and stakeholders.
By PRNigeria
