President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Dr. John Nwabueze as the Tax Ombudsman of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, under the provisions of the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Act, 2025.
The appointment, which takes immediate effect, forms part of the President’s broader strategy to enhance transparency, fairness, and accountability in Nigeria’s tax and revenue administration systems.
In a statement on Tuesday, Presidential spokesman, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, said the new appointment demonstrated the Tinubu administration’s commitment to implementing sustainable tax reforms that would strengthen confidence in the country’s fiscal environment.
“President Tinubu congratulates Dr. Nwabueze on this appointment and expresses confidence in his capacity to discharge the responsibilities of his office with integrity, diligence, and utmost professionalism,” the statement read.
Dr. Nwabueze, an indigene of Oshimili South Local Government Area in Delta, brings over 20 years of experience in taxation, finance, and public policy to the position.
Before his appointment, he served as Managing Partner of a leading tax advisory firm, Technical Adviser to the Joint Senate Committees on the Federal Capital Territory and Finance, and Technical Adviser to the Chief Economic Adviser to former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Nwabueze holds a Doctor of Business Administration (Finance) from Walden University, Minneapolis, USA; a Master’s degree in Accounting from Strayer University, Washington D.C.; and dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Accounting and Mathematics from the University of Jos, Plateau State.
According to the Presidency, the Office of the Tax Ombudsman is designed as an independent, impartial mechanism for resolving grievances between taxpayers and revenue authorities.
“The Office of the Tax Ombudsman has been established to strengthen transparency and accountability within the tax system, enhance confidence in tax administration, and provide a structured mechanism for fair and impartial dispute resolution,” Onanuga added.
He emphasised that the new office would function as a safeguard against unjust assessments and the abuse of authority by revenue officers, ensuring disputes are handled in a professional and non-adversarial manner.
Policy analysts have hailed the creation of the Ombudsman’s office as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s fiscal reform agenda.
They note that the initiative would enhance public trust in tax institutions and improve revenue mobilisation without overburdening citizens or businesses.
The move aligned Nigeria’s tax governance model with international best practices in countries such as Canada, South Africa, and the United Kingdom.
It also built on the recommendations of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, chaired by Mr.
Taiwo Oyedele, which is driving the harmonisation of federal and subnational revenue systems.
Since taking office in May 2023, President Tinubu has made tax reform a central part of his economic renewal agenda.
His administration has focused on widening the tax net, improving efficiency, and eliminating arbitrary practices.
Dr. Nwabueze is expected to collaborate with the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), and other tax agencies across all tiers of government.
His early priorities are expected to include establishing regional offices, developing a taxpayer complaints protocol, and initiating a nationwide campaign to educate citizens on their tax rights and obligations.
The creation of the Tax Ombudsman’s Office is viewed as a bold step towards rebuilding public trust and improving Nigeria’s fiscal resilience amid fluctuating oil revenues and growing economic demands.
Industry experts have praised the initiative as a “timely and progressive reform” that will enhance Nigeria’s global business reputation and attract more foreign investment.
