Tax Ombud Office Promises Free Services for Nigerians to Resolve Tax Disputes

Citizens of Nigeria will soon be able to access the services offered by the Office of the Tax Ombud free of charge. The office is establishing itself as an impartial mediator dedicated to safeguarding the rights of taxpayers and mitigating disagreements related to taxation, according to statements from officials.

The Office of the Tax Ombud functions as an independent entity that facilitates dialogue between taxpayers and tax administration bodies. Its role includes resolving tax-related complaints and providing an alternative to prolonged legal proceedings, thereby enabling citizens to seek recourse without incurring any financial expenses.

Yusuf Issa An-Nuphawi, the Head of Media at the Office of the Tax Ombud, shared this information during a visit to the Media Trust Group in Abuja. He highlighted that the office acts as a crucial safety net for taxpayers and serves as a neutral ground for resolving disputes.

"The Tax Ombud service is provided at no cost and operates as an independent mediator. Our purpose is to protect taxpayers and reduce disputes," An-Nuphawi stated.

Issa further elaborated that the establishment of this office is expected to help alleviate the burden on the courts by offering a more straightforward and efficient method for addressing tax-related grievances.

"With the Tax Ombud available, taxpayers will no longer feel compelled to remain silent or rush to court. They can approach us directly, visit our office, or contact us via phone or written correspondence to lodge their complaints," he explained.

He also noted that the office would engage in educating taxpayers about their responsibilities under the current tax framework and assist in resolving their grievances without charge.

"When grievances arise, we facilitate their resolution, and this process is entirely free," he confirmed. He did mention that fees might apply in specific situations requiring physical site visits or in-depth investigations.

"Costs would only be incurred if we need to conduct an on-site inspection or examine accounting records used for tax calculations, and even in such cases, the fees are kept reasonable," Issa clarified.

Issa emphasized the office's commitment to ensuring accessibility and promoting public awareness, adding that taxpayers have various avenues to contact the office, including support in local languages.

"Individuals in more remote areas can reach out and communicate in their local dialects. We are also leveraging technology to enable communication through emails, messages, and other digital platforms," he added.

He also stated that the enabling law mandates the establishment of offices across Nigeria's geopolitical zones, with plans to expand services to state and local community levels.

According to Issa, complaints are typically resolved within a 30-day period. If resolution is not achieved within this timeframe, the office is empowered to pursue legal action on behalf of the taxpayer, as it possesses prosecutorial authority.

Responding on behalf of Ahmed I. Shekarau, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Media Trust Group, Hamza Idris, the Deputy Editorial Director and Chairman of the Editorial Board of Daily Trust, pledged the organization's support for the initiative.

Idris reaffirmed Media Trust's dedication to informing Nigerians about tax laws and their implications. He stressed that while fulfilling tax obligations is a duty, it must be balanced with accountability and fairness from tax authorities.