The Office of the Tax Ombud says limited public awareness is keeping the number of Nigerians seeking its help relatively low, as it plans six zonal offices and dedicated desks in all 36 state tax authorities.

The Tax Ombud and Chief Executive, John Nwabueze, disclosed the plans on Friday, at the fourth-quarter 2026 breakfast meeting of the Finance Correspondents Association of Nigeria (FICAN) in Abuja.

Mr Nwabueze said many Nigerians were still unaware of the office and its services. 

He said the office had received complaints from different parts of the country, covering issues such as tax assessments, administrative procedures and disagreements over taxpayers’ obligations.

The office said it was stepping up public awareness through partnerships with government agencies and independent organisations, as well as traditional and digital communication channels.

“Through collaborations with independent partner organisations and government agencies, as well as the strategic use of traditional and modern communication platforms, the Office aims to educate and empower taxpayers nationwide,” Mr Nwabueze said.

The Office of the Tax Ombud’s complaint-resolution service is free. Taxpayers are expected to first raise their complaint with the relevant tax or revenue authority before taking it to the Ombud.

Ombud plans six zonal offices

The office is targeting six regional offices, one in each of the country’s geopolitical zones, before the end of 2026. Their establishment is subject to final approval by President Bola Tinubu.

Mr Nwabueze said the rollout would require premises, infrastructure, staff and other administrative arrangements. 

For now, the proposed locations have not been disclosed but he said they would be made public after the necessary approval.

He said state governments had responded positively to the office’s work, but discussions about how they could support its activities were continuing. 

He described states as an important route for reaching taxpayers at the grassroots.

Desks intended to speed up complaints

The office also plans to establish dedicated Tax Ombud desks in all 36 state tax authorities to improve communication and handle complaints in real time.

Mr Nwabueze said delays in correspondence with tax authorities could slow the process. During the meeting, he said it could take several days, or up to a week, to send a letter and receive a response. 

The office wants to be able to contact a relevant authority and receive an initial response on the same day a complaint is received.

The Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Act, 2025, sets a 14-day investigation period from receipt of a complaint, with an extension of up to seven days where necessary.

Resolution figures need clarification

He said about 82 per cent of reported cases had been addressed and brought to satisfactory resolution.

Mr Nwabueze said the office sought to hear both the taxpayer and the relevant tax authority before deciding how a complaint should be handled. 

He said the office had not encountered a case in which a tax authority had outright rejected its proposed resolution.

The law requires a revenue or government agency that does not implement a recommendation to report its reasons to the Ombud within 21 days. 

If the reasons are not satisfactory, the Ombud may have to refer the matter to the National Assembly or relevant State House of Assembly for oversight.

Funding and multiple-taxation efforts

Mr Nwabueze said the President had provided funds for the office to begin operating. He described the office’s relationship with the National Assembly as still developing, saying he expected more direct engagement during the next appropriation process.

He also said efforts to address multiple taxation across states and local governments were ongoing. 

He said he expected Nigerians to begin seeing relief. 

The office says it provides an alternative to costly and lengthy court proceedings through fair, impartial engagement between taxpayers and tax authorities. 

“We are dedicated to building trust in the tax system and ensuring that all Nigerians have their voices heard,” Mr Nwabueze said.