The Taxombud/Chief Executive, the Office of the Tax Ombud, Dr John Nwabueze, has underscored the role of the media in advancing the ongoing fiscal reforms by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He urged journalists to help in educating the taxpaying public on the role of the Office of the Tax Ombud, particularly regarding the process of filing complaints or grievances on tax matters and obtaining redress without costs.

Nwabueze said the newly-formed organisation was on the verge of unveiling its website and a toll-free call centre to enhance access to its services.

Nwabueze, who stated this while addressing business editors in Lagos, said the office was founded as an independent, impartial body to protect taxpayer rights, resolve grievances and promote fairness in tax administration.

The chief executive stressed that the creation of the office offered a new pathway for Nigerians to participate actively and eagerly in the country’s economic development.

According to the Tax Ombud, the establishment of the office demonstrates Nigeria’s commitment to a modern, people-focused tax system that balances domestic revenue needs with justice and due process.

This, he said, would not only encourage voluntary compliance but also align with the broader reforms of the Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to reposition taxation as a tool for inclusive development and shared national responsibility.

Making a case for a fair, responsive and just tax system, Nwabueze explained that the Office of the Tax Ombud acts as a bridge between taxpayers and the tax/revenue authorities, providing accessible dispute-resolution mechanisms essential to building public trust and effective governance.

Nwabueze commended Tinubu for leading a transformative tax reform that is rooted in fairness, inclusiveness and sustainability to support revenue growth and economic prosperity.

Fielding questions, Nwabueze explained that his office “neither determines tax liability nor has it replaced the courts or the Tax Appeal Tribunal” but was rather established to ensure that tax administration is conducted in a fair, transparent and accountable manner.

Beyond dispute resolution, he said, the office plays a systemic role in identifying recurring issues in tax and revenue administration while recommending reforms to improve efficiency, fairness and transparency.