Tax ombud, experts seek fairer, transparent tax system to boost compliance

Nigeria's Tax Ombud (OTO) and other experts are advocating for a more equitable and transparent tax administration to enhance voluntary compliance among citizens. John Nwabueze, Chief Executive of the OTO, stressed that building public trust is fundamental to effective tax collection. Speaking at a stakeholder engagement in Lagos, Nwabueze highlighted that taxpayers are more likely to comply when they perceive the system as fair, impartial, and accountable. The OTO, established to protect taxpayers' rights, has been implementing global best practices. It has developed complaint-handling procedures, launched taxpayer education programs, and created a technology-driven complaint management framework. The office is also engaging in international benchmarking with similar institutions in countries like South Africa, Canada, and the UK. Nwabueze called for a sustained, coordinated national taxpayer education campaign, delivered in local languages and accessible formats, to foster a more confident and compliant taxpayer base. The goal is to rebuild confidence in tax institutions and ensure all taxpayers are treated fairly and respectfully under the law.

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The OTO aims to promote voluntary tax compliance while rebuilding confidence in taxpayers and revenue institutions. It is about rebuilding confidence in our tax and revenue institutions and ensuring that every taxpayer, whether an individual, a small business, or a multinational enterprise, is treated fairly, respectfully, and in accordance with the law.