The move is expected to bring tax dispute resolution closer to Nigerians as the office reveals it has settled 82 per cent of complaints received since its establishment……
The Office of the Tax Ombud is seeking presidential approval to expand its operations across the country, with plans to establish six regional offices covering Nigeria’s geopolitical zones.
The proposed expansion is aimed at making it easier for individuals and businesses to seek redress over disputes with tax authorities without having to travel to Abuja.
Tax Ombud and Chief Executive of the Office, Dr. John Nwabueze, announced the plan during the fourth-quarter 2026 breakfast meeting with members of the Finance Correspondents Association of Nigeria in Abuja on Friday.
In a statement issued on Sunday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Tax Ombudsman, Chukwudi Achife, the office said the new centres were expected to begin operations before the end of 2026, provided President Bola Tinubu grants the necessary approval.
Nwabueze said the expansion formed part of efforts to improve public confidence in the tax system and ensure that taxpayers across the country have easier access to independent dispute resolution.
He also revealed that the office had successfully resolved approximately 82 per cent of complaints received since it began operations, describing the record as evidence of its growing role in addressing disagreements between taxpayers and revenue authorities.
According to him, the regional offices would reduce the distance between the institution and taxpayers, while making interventions faster and more accessible, particularly for those living outside the Federal Capital Territory.
Beyond the proposed regional expansion, the Tax Ombud is also considering another measure to strengthen its presence at the state level.
Nwabueze disclosed that the office plans to establish dedicated Tax Ombud desks within all 36 state tax authorities to provide a more direct channel for receiving complaints and facilitating communication between taxpayers and revenue agencies.
He said internal procedures were also being reviewed to improve the institution’s response time and ensure that complaints are handled more effectively.
The Tax Ombud attributed some of its progress to increased cooperation with state governments and federal institutions, noting that feedback from state authorities had been largely encouraging.
Nwabueze further highlighted the importance of support from the National Assembly and other stakeholders in strengthening the office’s mandate as an independent mediator in tax and revenue-related disagreements.
He said the institution was also stepping up public education campaigns to help Nigerians understand their tax obligations, rights and available channels for resolving complaints.
The awareness drive, he explained, would involve partnerships with government agencies, independent organisations and the use of both traditional and digital communication platforms to reach a wider audience.
While encouraging taxpayers to make use of the institution, Nwabueze stressed that its services come at no cost to individuals or businesses facing difficulties with tax authorities.
He explained that the office provides an alternative to prolonged legal battles by bringing disputing parties together and facilitating fair, impartial settlements.
Where complaints cannot be resolved through its intervention, he said they may be escalated through the appropriate channels for further consideration.
The planned expansion comes as the Federal Government continues efforts to strengthen revenue generation and improve compliance under Nigeria’s evolving tax administration framework.
With the proposed regional offices and state-level desks, the Tax Ombud hopes to make dispute resolution more accessible while ensuring that taxpayers have an avenue to challenge unfair treatment without the financial burden of lengthy court proceedings.
