President Bola Tinubu has appointed Mr John Nwabueze as the Nigeria’s tax ombudsman.
His appointment is in accordance with the provisions of the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Act, 2025, according to a statement from the presidency on Wednesday.
A Tax Ombudsman is an independent official who investigates and resolves complaints between taxpayers and tax authorities. His appointment comes as Nigeria prepares to fully begin a new tax regime from January 1, 2026.
Mr Nwabueze in his role will ensure fair treatment, mediate disputes, and help prevent unnecessary litigation by offering neutral solutions to all stakeholders. It is also within his duty to identify systemic issues within Nigeria’s new tax administration, recommend improvements, and educate taxpayers about their rights and obligations.
According to the statement, the appointment aligns with President Tinubu’s commitment to implementing far-reaching and sustainable reforms in the tax and revenue administration framework.
Mr Nwabueze, from Oshimili South Local Government Area of Delta State, brings extensive professional and public service experience to the new job.
Prior to his appointment, he served as Managing Partner of a reputable tax advisory firm, Technical Adviser to the Joint Senate Committees on the Federal Capital Territory and Finance of the National Assembly, and Technical Adviser to the Chief Economic Adviser to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, among other significant engagements in both the public and private sectors.
The new tax ombudsman holds a Doctor of Business Administration (Finance) from Walden University, Minneapolis, USA; a Master of Science in Accounting from Strayer University, Washington, D.C.; and dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Accounting and Mathematics from the University of Jos, Nigeria.
President Tinubu congratulated Mr Nwabueze on his appointment and expresses confidence in his capacity to discharge the responsibilities of his office with integrity, diligence, and utmost professionalism.
The federal government noted that the Office of the Tax Ombudsman has been established to strengthen transparency and accountability within the tax system, enhance confidence in tax administration, and provide a structured mechanism for the fair and impartial resolution of disputes between taxpayers and revenue authorities.
The Office shall be responsible for receiving, reviewing, and resolving complaints relating to taxes, levies, regulatory fees, customs duties, excise matters, and other related issues, in accordance with extant laws and regulations, it added.
Mr Tinubu mandated Mr Nwabueze to ensure that disputes are managed in an efficient, impartial, and non-adversarial manner, thereby safeguarding the rights of taxpayers against the arbitrary or abusive exercise of authority by tax officials.