By NANA MUSA

The Federal Government has unveiled digital platforms for the Office of the Tax Ombud (OTO) to strengthen transparency, accountability and fairness in Nigeria’s tax administration system.

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Taiwo Oyedele, unveiled the website, call centre and management portal on Monday in Abuja.

He described the initiative as a major milestone in the country’s ongoing fiscal reform and taxpayer protection efforts.

Oyedele said that the modern tax system must combine efficient revenue generation with fairness, transparency, accountability and public trust.

The minister said that taxpayers deserved accessible, affordable and timely dispute resolution mechanisms whenever disagreements arose within the tax system.

He said that OTO would serve as an independent and impartial platform for resolving complaints and mediating tax-related disputes nationwide.

According to him, the institution will also address systemic issues affecting taxpayers and improve confidence in the nation’s tax administration process.

The minister said the website, toll-free call centre and case management system would improve accessibility and operational efficiency through technology.

Oyedele said that taxpayers across the country could now access dispute resolution services without unnecessary administrative delays or financial burdens.

The minister described the initiative as entirely free, stressing government’s commitment to protecting taxpayers’ rights and encouraging voluntary compliance.

He said the reforms aligned with broader efforts to simplify tax administration and build a fair, globally competitive fiscal system.

According to him, disagreements are inevitable in taxation, but credible systems provide transparent and trusted mechanisms for dispute resolution.

The minister commended the OTO, Joint Tax Board (JTB), Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) and state revenue agencies for supporting the initiative.

Oyedele said that the platforms symbolised a new era where taxpayers would be treated as development partners rather than adversaries.

He also expressed optimism that the initiative would strengthen public trust and improve tax administration across Nigeria.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of OTO, Dr John Nwabueze, said that the initiative was a landmark for institutional reform under the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Act, 2025.

According to him, the office will promote fairness, transparency, accountability and efficiency in tax administration across the country.

Nwabueze said modern tax systems must prioritise fairness, accessibility, dispute resolution and public trust alongside revenue generation.

He explained that the office would provide taxpayers with accessible and cost-effective dispute resolution mechanisms.

According to him, the office will bridge gaps between taxpayers and revenue authorities through mediation and stakeholder engagement.

Nwabueze said the platforms would improve taxpayer experience through digital access and real-time case tracking.

He said that citizens and businesses could now lodge complaints online and access taxpayer support services easily.

The CEO said the initiative aligned with global best practices in digital public service delivery and governance.

He urged the media, civil society groups and professional bodies to support taxpayer education and public awareness nationwide.

Nwabueze commended President Bola Tinubu for supporting reforms promoting fairness, inclusiveness and sustainability in Nigeria’s tax administration.

He commended Oyedele, the Executive Chairman of the NRS Dr Zacch Adedeji, and other stakeholders for supporting the initiative.

The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Walson-Jack, said that the platforms would promote accessible, responsive and citizen-centred public institutions through improved taxpayer engagement and service delivery.

According to her, tax administration goes beyond revenue generation and must reflect fairness, transparency, trust and accountability in public institutions.

Walson-Jack said that credible complaint resolution channels would encourage voluntary tax compliance and deepen public confidence in the tax system.

She commended the OTO, for advancing institutional accountability and responsive public service delivery.

Walson-Jack said that the initiative aligned with ongoing federal civil service reforms promoting digital, transparent and efficient governance across ministries and agencies.

According to her, the platforms will reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks, improve case tracking and support quicker resolution of taxpayers’ complaints and enquiries.

Walson-Jack described the participation of key government officials and agencies as evidence of collaboration toward building efficient and accountable institutions.

The official urged the tax ombud office to sustain the platforms through professional service delivery, timely feedback and data-driven complaint management.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the OTO officially commenced full operations on Jan. 1.

It was established under the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Act, 2025, to serve as an independent body that protects taxpayer rights and fairly resolves disputes. (NAN)

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