The Office of the Tax Ombud has resolved no fewer than 25 of the 33 complaints received since it began operations, its chief executive officer, John Nwabueze, has said.

Mr Nwabueze disclosed this at the Finance Correspondents Association of Nigeria (FICAN) Fourth Quarter 2026 Breakfast Meeting in Abuja on Friday.

He said the office was intensifying public awareness and stakeholder engagement to educate Nigerians about its mandate and services.

The CEO said television, print media and outdoor advertising would be deployed to publicise the office’s activities.

He disclosed that discussions were ongoing with the Joint Revenue Board (JRB) to strengthen collaboration and extend services nationwide.

According to him, the partnership would improve access, particularly for taxpayers in rural communities.

Mr Nwabueze said the office was also working towards establishing six regional offices across the country by December.

He added that state governments had expressed encouraging support, while necessary approvals and infrastructure arrangements were being pursued.

He said the exercise involved recruitment, infrastructure provision and securing the required approvals.

The CEO also disclosed plans to establish desk offices in about 16 revenue and tax institutions to accelerate complaint resolution.

He explained that delays in correspondence between the office and tax authorities had affected efforts to meet the stipulated 14-day resolution timeline.

He said the proposed desk offices would facilitate real-time communication and minimise delays associated with official correspondence.

Mr Nwabueze said complaints received so far covered issues including delayed tax assessments and disagreements over assessments issued to taxpayers.

He said the office ensured that both taxpayers and relevant tax authorities presented their positions before decisions were reached.

He explained that the approach was designed to promote impartial dispute resolution and reduce reliance on costly and complicated court proceedings.

Mr Nwabueze said the office would continue engaging parties to achieve fair and mutually acceptable resolutions.

He, however, acknowledged that disagreements could arise when either party rejected a proposed resolution.

The CEO assured that such cases would receive diligent examination to ensure that taxpayers’ complaints received appropriate attention.

On funding, Mr Nwabueze said President Bola Tinubu had provided the resources required for the office’s operations.

He said adequate funding remained crucial as the office expanded its activities and established regional offices.

Mr Nwabueze also disclosed that the office’s online complaint platform was almost ready for launch.

He said the platform was awaiting the necessary approvals and would be user-friendly and accessible in different languages.

According to him, the platform would enable Nigerians to understand the office’s mandate and submit complaints more conveniently.

He said the office would invite the media to witness its launch once the necessary approvals were secured.

Mr Nwabueze commended Nigerians who had submitted complaints, saying their confidence would encourage improved service delivery.

He urged Nigerians to support the office’s efforts, describing its guiding slogan as ‘Bridging Differences and Building Trust’.

(NAN)