Tax Ombud set to launch taxpayer’s bill of rights, obligations
By Emma Ujah, Abuja Bureau Chief
The Office of the Tax Ombud (OTO) plans to introduce a Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights and Obligations in the coming weeks, aiming to enhance taxpayer awareness, promote fairness, and build trust in Nigeria’s tax administration.
Mr. John Nwabueze, the Tax Ombud and Chief Executive Officer of OTO, made the announcement during a stakeholders’ engagement in Abuja on Wednesday.
Nwabueze stated that the Bill aims to clarify for taxpayers their rights and responsibilities, as well as outline the standards of fairness, transparency, and accountability they can expect from tax and revenue authorities. He added that the document would be accessible through the OTO’s digital platforms and other public channels.
“We believe this will strengthen taxpayer awareness, encourage voluntary compliance, prevent disputes, and build greater trust across the tax ecosystem,” he said.
During the engagement, which Nwabueze described as a vital part of the OTO’s taxpayer rights campaign, he reiterated the office’s commitment to ensuring a fair and responsive tax system. He emphasized that a simplified and just tax structure is essential for fostering national consciousness and restoring public confidence in tax administration.
“This is not just about discussing taxation and revenue. It is about strengthening the relationship between the taxpayer and the institutions responsible for administering public revenue,” he noted.
Nwabueze also outlined OTO’s initiative to launch a structured public awareness and stakeholder sensitization program. This effort aims to enhance understanding of the OTO’s mandate, services, and the rights available to taxpayers.
He explained that the effective protection of taxpayers’ rights relies on citizens being informed of those rights and knowing how to seek recourse when necessary.
The Tax Ombud highlighted that Nigeria’s OTO is the third such institution established in Africa and the ninth globally, positioning the country as part of a broader international trend in modern tax administration.
