Federal Govt Unveils Platform For Free, Speedy Tax Dispute Resolution

The federal government has unveiled the Office of the Tax Ombud, a new online platform comprising a website, toll-free call centre and case management system, designed to provide free, faster and more accessible tax dispute resolution between taxpayers and the tax authorities.

Government officials, who spoke at the launch of the platform in Abuja on Monday, said the service will allow individuals and businesses to file complaints, track case progress and receive binding decisions within a shorter timeframe than existing channels, aiming to reduce litigation, lower compliance costs and improve taxpayer confidence.

Speaking at the unveiling, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, said the platform demonstrates the government’s commitment to protecting taxpayers and strengthening confidence in the tax system.

He described the Ombud as an independent and impartial forum designed to resolve complaints, mediate disputes and address systemic tax issues nationwide. According to him, a modern tax system must be built on fairness, accountability, transparency and trust, rather than revenue collection alone.

“The establishment of the Office of the Tax Ombud reflects our commitment to strengthening taxpayer protection and improving confidence in the tax system,” he said.

Oyedele noted that the digital platforms commissioned would leverage technology to improve accessibility and efficiency in dispute resolution.

“Taxpayers, regardless of location, can now engage more easily with the dispute resolution process without unnecessary administrative bottlenecks or delays, and the good news is that it is entirely free,” he said.

The minister stated that the initiative aligned with the broader objectives of the Federal Government’s ongoing tax reforms, including simplifying tax administration, reducing arbitrariness, protecting taxpayers’ rights and encouraging voluntary compliance.

“What distinguishes a credible system is not the absence of disagreements, but the presence of transparent, efficient and trusted mechanisms for resolving them,” he added.

Oyedele described the unveiling of the platforms as the beginning of a new era in tax administration where taxpayers would be treated as partners in national development rather than adversaries.

Also speaking, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, urged Nigerians to remain patient with the economic reforms being implemented by President Bola Tinubu, insisting that the policies were already yielding positive results and would soon translate into broader national prosperity.

According to him, the country was already witnessing encouraging economic indicators, including rising Gross Domestic Product, improved foreign reserves and moderating inflation figures.

“At a time that President Bola Tinubu is embarking on enormous reforms to reposition this country on the path of sustainable progress and development, it is important for all of us to know what these reforms entail and which direction they are going,” he said.

The minister added that the President had repeatedly assured Nigerians that “there is light at the end of the tunnel”, adding that the economy has turned the corner for the first time in more than 13 years.

“The revenue that Nigeria has overseas has crossed the $50 billion mark. Our GDP is on the rise. Headline inflation and food inflation are beating even the administration’s own expectations,” he stated.

Idris stressed that all Nigerians must rally behind the administration’s economic agenda.

“So what I want to say is that there is the need for all Nigerians to support the reform agenda of Mr President, to give it more time for it to come to fruition and to also ensure that all hands are on deck towards putting the economy of this country on the right footing,” he said.

He described the launch as “a major milestone in strengthening public trust, improving accessibility and promoting fairness in Nigeria’s tax administration system”.

According to him, President Tinubu’s administration remains focused on implementing strategic reforms that will strengthen revenue generation, support fiscal sustainability and accelerate national development.

Idris stressed that taxation plays a critical role in national development by providing the government with the resources required to invest in infrastructure, healthcare, education, transportation and security.

He, however, emphasised that sustainable tax administration must go beyond enforcement and be anchored on public confidence, transparency and fairness.

“Tax administration cannot succeed on enforcement alone. It must be supported by public trust, transparency, fairness and effective communication,” he stated.

The minister explained that the Tax Ombud Office serves as an important bridge between taxpayers and tax authorities by ensuring that Nigerians have access to a fair and professional complaint-resolution mechanism.

He commended the launch of the toll-free call centre and official website, describing them as important tools for removing communication barriers and improving public access to 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 said.

Idris further underscored the importance of civic education and public enlightenment in promoting 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.

The minister also 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.

Reaffirming the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation’s commitment to supporting national sensitisation efforts, the minister pledged continued collaboration with the Tax Ombud Office and other relevant institutions to educate Nigerians on tax reforms, taxpayers’ rights and available complaint-resolution mechanisms.

He added that clear and consistent communication would help citizens better understand the role taxation plays in supporting the Renewed Hope Agenda and advancing national development.

The minister congratulated the Tax Ombud Office on the successful launch of the new platforms and urged stakeholders to continue working together to build a tax administration system that is transparent, efficient and responsive to Nigerians’ needs.

On her part, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Esther Walson-Jack, described the initiative as a major step towards building more citizen-centred public institutions.

She said the digital platforms would improve accessibility, complaint resolution and service delivery for taxpayers and other stakeholders.

According to her, tax administration should not merely focus on revenue collection but must also be built on trust, fairness, transparency and public confidence.

“When citizens and businesses know that there is a credible platform through which their concerns can be received, tracked and resolved, it strengthens voluntary compliance and deepens confidence in the tax system,” she said.

Walson-Jack charged the Office of the Tax Ombud to ensure that the new platforms genuinely inspire public trust and accountability.

“The website must remain active and informative. The toll-free call centre must be responsive and professional. The case management system must support timely feedback, data-driven reporting and measurable improvement in how complaints and enquiries are handled,” she said.

Earlier, Tax Ombud/Chief Executive, John Nwabueze, said the aim is to ensure that every Nigerian taxpayer — regardless of location, income level or business size — has access to fair hearing, efficient redress mechanisms and quality taxpayer services.

Dr Nwabueze said the initiative also advances the broader objectives of Nigeria’s ongoing fiscal and tax reforms by strengthening public trust and deepening the social contract between government and citizens.