The Office of the Tax Ombud has disclosed that it has successfully handled approximately 82 per cent of the taxpayer complaints lodged since it was created, and is now seeking approval to extend its operations across Nigeria.
Dr John Nwabueze, the Tax Ombud and Chief Executive, shared the update during the fourth-quarter 2026 breakfast meeting with members of the Finance Correspondents Association of Nigeria in Abuja. A statement issued by the office indicated that the expansion plan involves establishing six regional offices across the country's geopolitical zones.
The proposed offices are designed to widen access to complaint and dispute-resolution services, particularly for taxpayers based outside Abuja. Their commencement before the end of 2026, however, depends on presidential approval.
Beyond the regional structure, Dr Nwabueze announced that the office intends to create dedicated Tax Ombud desks within all 36 state tax authorities. These desks are expected to improve communication with revenue agencies, speed up the resolution of complaints and reduce delays associated with official correspondence.
The office is also stepping up efforts to raise public awareness of its mandate and services. Dr Nwabueze observed that many taxpayers remain unaware of the available channels for seeking redress when they encounter difficulties with tax and revenue authorities.
He encouraged individuals and businesses facing such challenges to approach the office, stressing that its services are entirely free. The Tax Ombud provides an alternative dispute-resolution channel through impartial engagement between taxpayers and revenue authorities, helping to reduce reliance on lengthy court proceedings.
The planned expansion forms part of broader measures aimed at strengthening taxpayer protection, improving accountability and building public confidence in Nigeria's tax administration system.
