FG appoints Dr. John Nwabueze as Tax Ombudsman to strengthen transparency, resolve disputes

FG appoints Dr. John Nwabueze as Tax Ombudsman to strengthen transparency, resolve disputes

By Ade Ade

The Federal Government has announced the appointment of Dr. John Nwabueze as Nigeria’s inaugural Tax Ombudsman, in line with the newly enacted Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Act, 2025.

According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the appointment reflects President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to comprehensive reforms in tax and revenue administration across the country.

Dr. Nwabueze, a native of Oshimili South Local Government Area of Delta State, boasts a rich blend of professional expertise and public sector experience. He previously served as Managing Partner of a leading tax advisory firm, Technical Adviser to the Joint Senate Committees on Federal Capital Territory and Finance, and Technical Adviser to the Chief Economic Adviser to former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

A seasoned academic, he holds a Doctor of Business Administration (Finance) from Walden University, Minneapolis; a Master’s degree in Accounting from Strayer University, Washington D.C.; and dual Bachelor’s degrees in Accounting and Mathematics from the University of Jos.

President Tinubu congratulated Dr. Nwabueze and expressed confidence in his ability to carry out his duties with “integrity, diligence, and utmost professionalism.”

The newly established Office of the Tax Ombudsman is designed to promote transparency, accountability, and trust within the tax system. It will serve as a structured platform for fair and impartial resolution of complaints between taxpayers and revenue authorities.

Its mandate covers disputes relating to taxes, levies, regulatory fees, customs duties, excise matters, and other related concerns. The office is also tasked with ensuring efficient, non-adversarial handling of complaints, while protecting taxpayers against arbitrary actions by tax officials.

The appointment is expected to boost confidence in government revenue processes and provide redress mechanisms for aggrieved taxpayers nationwide.