FG Unveils Tax Ombud Platforms to Boost Transparency, Public Trust in Tax System
By Onwe Wisdom, Pan Afric Reporters
The Federal Government on Monday unveiled the official website and toll-free call centre of the Tax Ombud Office, describing the initiative as a major step toward strengthening transparency, accountability, and public confidence in Nigeria’s tax administration system.
The move, unveiled in Abuja, forms part of ongoing reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at improving revenue generation, promoting fiscal sustainability, and enhancing citizen engagement in governance.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation and signed by the Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister, Rabiu Ibrahim.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described the launch as “a major milestone in strengthening public trust, improving accessibility, and promoting fairness in Nigeria’s tax administration system.”
He said effective communication and citizen engagement remained critical to the success of ongoing economic reforms being implemented by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“Under the visionary leadership of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Federal Government remains steadfast in its commitment to building a stronger, more resilient, and prosperous economy through bold and strategic reforms,” Idris stated.
The minister stressed that taxation remains vital to national development, noting that government revenues from taxes support critical sectors such as infrastructure, healthcare, education, transportation, and security.
He, however, emphasized that sustainable tax administration must be built on public confidence and fairness rather than enforcement alone.
“Tax administration cannot succeed on enforcement alone. It must be supported by public trust, transparency, fairness, and effective communication,” he said.
According to Idris, the Tax Ombud Office serves as a bridge between taxpayers and tax authorities by providing Nigerians with access to a fair and professional complaint-resolution mechanism.
He added that the launch of the toll-free call centre and official website would eliminate communication barriers and improve public access to tax-related 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,” the minister added.
The Information Minister also underscored the importance of civic education and public enlightenment in encouraging voluntary tax compliance and responsible citizenship.
“Tax education is not just about revenue generation; it is about building a culture of national participation and shared responsibility,” he stated.
Idris further warned that misinformation and poor communication often undermine reform efforts and fuel public distrust, calling for stronger collaboration among government institutions, the media, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders.
“Misinformation and inadequate communication often contribute to distrust and resistance to reforms. This underscores the importance of strategic media engagement and sustained public communication,” he said.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation to supporting nationwide sensitisation campaigns on tax reforms, taxpayers’ rights, and complaint-resolution mechanisms.
Also present at the event were the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele; the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Esther Walson-Jack; and the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Tax Ombud Office, John C. Nwabueze, alongside other senior government officials and stakeholders.
