Oluchi Chibuzor
Nigerian lawyers have reaffirmed the pivotal role of taxation as a major source of government revenue for infrastructure development and the provision of social services, throwing their weight behind the voluntary tax compliance drive being championed by the Office of the Tax Ombud.
This was a central theme of a panel discussion titled, “Pay Now, Prosper Later,” at the ongoing 66th Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The panel, which featured the Tax Ombud/Chief Executive, Dr. John Nwabueze, and other legal luminaries, including Ahmed Raji, SAN, emphasised the importance of strengthening taxpayer trust in tax authorities as a means of fostering voluntary compliance and increasing tax revenue in the country.
Speaking at the event, Nwabueze reassured the lawyers of the Office’s commitment to providing Nigerian taxpayers with an independent and impartial platform to lodge tax-related complaints and have them resolved in a timely and equitable manner.
According to Nwabueze, the Office of the Tax Ombud will, “Alleviate the burden of administrative and procedural issues for taxpayers, helping to foster trust between citizens and tax authorities.”
He said: “It is our belief that the Office will contribute significantly towards bridging the gap between taxpayers and tax administration, making the tax system more accessible and trusted. We strive to ensure that tax grievances are resolved in an open and accountable manner, ultimately strengthening Nigeria’s tax system.
“Since opening its doors to the public in January, the Office has already received 22 complaints, with 14 resolved efficiently. Continuous efforts in stakeholder engagement and public awareness are underway to ensure broader access to the Office’s services,” the Tax Ombud told the participants.”
While acknowledging that the Office is non-judicial, Nwabueze said it serves as a crucial mechanism for early dispute resolution, with the potential to reduce pressure on the courts and other tax adjudication bodies.
For more information or to submit a complaint, Nigerians are encouraged to contact the Office of the Tax Ombud. As public awareness grows, the Office remains confident that it will play an increasingly significant role in promoting a fairer, more transparent and trusted tax environment in Nigeria.