Nigeria Names Dr. John Nwabueze as First Tax Ombudsman

The Federal Government of Nigeria has appointed Dr. John Nwabueze as the country’s inaugural Tax Ombudsman. This decision aligns with the provisions of the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Act, 2025, and reflects President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to comprehensive reforms in the nation’s tax and revenue administration.

In a statement released on Tuesday evening, presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga announced the appointment. President Tinubu congratulated Nwabueze and expressed confidence in his ability to fulfill the responsibilities of the role with integrity and professionalism. Nwabueze hails from Oshimili South Local Government Area of Delta State and brings a wealth of experience from both public and private sectors to his new position.

Dr. Nwabueze has held several prominent roles prior to this appointment. He served as the Managing Partner of a well-regarded tax advisory firm and as a Technical Adviser to the Joint Senate Committees on the Federal Capital Territory and Finance within the National Assembly. His previous experience also includes serving as a Technical Adviser to the Chief Economic Adviser under former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Nwabueze boasts impressive academic credentials, including a Doctor of Business Administration (Finance) from Walden University, Minneapolis, USA, and a Master of Science in Accounting from Strayer University, Washington, D.C. He also holds dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Accounting and Mathematics from the University of Jos, Nigeria.

Mandate and Objectives of the Tax Ombudsman

The establishment of the Office of the Tax Ombudsman aims to bolster transparency and accountability within Nigeria’s tax system. By enhancing public confidence in tax administration, the office will provide a structured mechanism for resolving disputes between taxpayers and revenue authorities.

The Tax Ombudsman is tasked with receiving, reviewing, and resolving complaints related to taxes, levies, regulatory fees, customs duties, excise matters, and other relevant issues, in accordance with existing laws and regulations. Nwabueze is further mandated to ensure that disputes are managed efficiently and impartially, safeguarding taxpayer rights against potential abuses of authority by tax officials.

Dr. Nwabueze’s appointment marks a significant step toward improving the relationship between taxpayers and the government, reflecting a broader commitment to implementing effective and sustainable tax reforms in Nigeria. As he embarks on this new role, many will be watching closely to see how his leadership will influence the nation’s tax landscape.