The Office of Tax Ombud has strengthened its capacity to handle emerging tax disputes, including possible complaints arising from the taxation of digital assets, as it seeks to improve fairness and transparency in Nigeria’s tax system.

The Tax Ombud and Chief Executive of the Office, Dr John Nwabueze, disclosed this at the third-quarter breakfast meeting with editors in Lagos, where he outlined the office’s recent progress and plans to expand its reach across the country.

Nwabueze said the office had expanded the capacity of its accountants and legal experts to handle complex tax matters, including disputes relating to digital asset taxation, should such cases arise.

He said: “The office has expanded the capacity of its skilled accountants and legal experts to handle complex tax matters, including disputes relating to digital asset taxation, should such cases arise. We are also enhancing accessibility at the grassroots through plans to establish offices across all six geopolitical zones.”

According to him, the office had received more than 20 genuine complaints within three months, with most of them involving state revenue services. He said eight of the cases had been successfully resolved within the statutory 14-day resolution period, with an additional seven days allowed where necessary.

Nwabueze said the office had also improved access to its services through a digital complaints portal, case management system, toll-free call centre and SMS callback services.

He said the measures had made it easier for individuals and businesses to lodge complaints and receive timely resolutions.

He disclosed that the Tax Ombud had intensified engagement with professional bodies, the media, revenue authorities and other stakeholders, while preparing for a nationwide public sensitisation campaign to tackle persistent tax-related challenges, particularly multiple taxation.

Nwabueze said multiple taxation, especially at the state and local government levels, remained an issue requiring coordinated action by relevant authorities.

“Multiple taxation is an endemic issue that we are determined to address by engaging all relevant stakeholders, including the Joint Revenue Board, state governments, and local government authorities. Through collaboration and policy engagement, we are working towards sustainable solutions,” he stated.

He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for establishing an independent tax ombudsman institution, saying the move would help strengthen voluntary tax compliance and build public trust in tax administration.

Nwabueze stressed that the core mandate of the office was to provide impartial mediation between taxpayers and revenue authorities while promoting fairness, accountability and justice in the tax system.

He, however, identified public awareness as one of the major challenges facing the office and called for greater media engagement to ensure taxpayers understand their rights and know where to seek redress.