Tax Ombud Platforms Will Deepen Transparency, Strengthen Confidence in Nigeria’s Tax System — Idris
Oru Leonard
Nigeria has reiterated its resolve to entrench transparency, accountability, and public confidence in Nigeria’s tax administration as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made this known on Monday in Abuja during the unveiling of the official website and launch of the Toll-Free Call Centre of the Tax Ombud Office.
Describing the initiative as a significant step toward improving citizen engagement in tax administration, the Minister said the new platforms would enhance accessibility, fairness, and public trust in the nation’s tax system.
“This is a major milestone in strengthening public trust, improving accessibility, and promoting fairness in Nigeria’s tax administration system. Effective communication and citizen engagement remain central to the success of ongoing economic reforms such as this,” Idris stated.
He reaffirmed the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to implementing strategic reforms aimed at strengthening revenue generation, ensuring fiscal sustainability, and driving national development.
According to the Minister, taxation remains essential to national growth as it provides resources for critical sectors including infrastructure, healthcare, education, transportation, and security.
Idris, however, stressed that tax administration must be built on trust and transparency rather than enforcement alone.
“Tax administration cannot succeed on enforcement alone. It must be supported by public trust, transparency, fairness, and effective communication,” he said.
He explained that the Tax Ombud Office serves as a vital bridge between taxpayers and tax authorities by providing Nigerians with a professional and transparent complaint-resolution mechanism.
The Minister also praised the launch of the toll-free call centre and official website, noting that both platforms would remove communication barriers and improve access to tax-related 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 added.
Highlighting the importance of civic responsibility, Idris said public enlightenment and tax education were critical to promoting voluntary compliance and strengthening national participation.
“Tax education is not just about revenue generation; it is about building a culture of national participation and shared responsibility,” he noted.
He further warned that misinformation and poor communication often weaken reform efforts and fuel distrust among citizens, calling for stronger collaboration between government institutions, the media, and civil society organisations.
The Minister pledged continued partnership between the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation and the Tax Ombud Office to sensitise Nigerians on tax reforms, taxpayers’ rights, and complaint-resolution channels.
Other dignitaries present at the event included the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele; the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Esther Walson-Jack; and the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Tax Ombud Office, John C. Nwabueze, alongside other senior government officials and stakeholders.
Cover Photo Caption, L–R: The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack; the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, fnipr; Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Office of the Tax Ombud Nigeria, Dr. John C. Nwabueze; and the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, during the unveiling of the official website and launch of the toll-free call centre and case management system of the Office of the Tax Ombud Nigeria, held on May 18, 2026, in Abuja. Photo: Khalid Ahmed/FMINO
