The Office of the Tax Ombud (OTO) in Nigeria is preparing to unveil a Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights and Obligations. John Nwabueze, the CEO of the OTO, announced the initiative during a recent stakeholder meeting in Abuja, noting that the document aims to improve transparency, fairness, and public confidence in the national tax system.
Nwabueze explained that the Bill will clarify what taxpayers can expect from authorities while outlining their own duties. The document will be distributed via digital portals and other public avenues. By increasing awareness, the OTO hopes to foster voluntary compliance and reduce conflicts between citizens and revenue agencies.
Addressing the importance of the project, Nwabueze stated that the OTO is committed to creating a responsive tax environment. This effort aligns with broader tax reforms introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reduce systemic complexity and the burden of multiple taxation. The OTO, established under the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Act of 2025, serves to investigate complaints regarding taxes, duties, and levies.
To facilitate better service, the agency has launched a new website, a contact center, and a digital case management portal. Nwabueze also confirmed plans to open three zonal offices in the coming weeks to improve accessibility for taxpayers located outside of Abuja. During the event, representatives from industry groups such as MAN, NACCIMA, and ABUCCIMA expressed their support for ending multiple taxation and urged officials to prioritize deeper collaboration with the private sector.
