Federal Government Appoints Nwabueze as Nigeria’s First Tax Ombudsman

By Diafa Doubra,

The Federal Government has appointed Dr. John Nwabueze as Nigeria’s first Tax Ombudsman, a new role designed to strengthen accountability, fairness, and transparency within the country’s tax administration system.

According to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), the creation of the office marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s ongoing tax reform drive, aimed at improving trust between taxpayers and the government. The Ombudsman will be responsible for addressing complaints, mediating disputes, and ensuring that tax authorities adhere strictly to due process.

In his appointment letter, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu emphasized that the new office would help promote voluntary tax compliance and reduce conflicts arising from perceived administrative injustice. He also directed the FIRS and other relevant agencies to provide full institutional support to ensure the office operates independently and effectively.

Experts in tax policy have described the move as a progressive step toward aligning Nigeria’s tax system with international best practices, fostering investor confidence, and enhancing revenue generation.