Federal Government Appoints Dr. John Nwabueze as Nigeria's First Tax Ombudsman

Historic Appointment Marks New Era for Tax Administration

The Nigerian Federal Government has officially announced the appointment of Dr. John Nwabueze as the country's first-ever Tax Ombudsman. The appointment, which was made public on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, is a significant step in President Bola Tinubu's ongoing efforts to implement far-reaching reforms in Nigeria's tax and revenue administration framework.

The establishment of the Office of the Tax Ombudsman is mandated by the provisions of the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Act, 2025. This initiative is designed to foster greater transparency and accountability within the tax system, bolster public confidence in tax administration, and provide a structured, impartial mechanism for resolving disputes between taxpayers and revenue authorities.

Dr. Nwabueze's Extensive Background and Qualifications

Dr. John Nwabueze, who hails from the Oshimili South Local Government Area of Delta State, brings a wealth of experience from both the public and private sectors to his new role. His distinguished career includes serving as the Managing Partner of a reputable tax advisory firm. He also held key advisory positions, such as 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.

Academically, Dr. Nwabueze holds impressive credentials:

• A Doctor of Business Administration (Finance) from Walden University, Minneapolis, USA.
• A Master of Science in Accounting from Strayer University, Washington, D.C.
• Dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Accounting and Mathematics from the University of Jos, Nigeria.

President Tinubu extended his congratulations to Dr. Nwabueze, expressing confidence in his capacity to discharge the responsibilities of his office with 'integrity, diligence, and utmost professionalism.'

Mandate of the Tax Ombudsman's Office

The newly established Office of the Tax Ombudsman is tasked with a crucial mandate aimed at improving the fairness and efficiency of Nigeria's tax system. Its responsibilities include:

• Receiving, reviewing, and resolving complaints related to taxes, levies, regulatory fees, customs duties, excise matters, and other pertinent issues.
• Ensuring that disputes are managed in an efficient, impartial, and non-adversarial manner.
• Safeguarding the rights of taxpayers against any arbitrary or abusive exercise of authority by tax officials.
• Promoting equitable tax practices, particularly for small businesses.

This office is expected to serve as an independent channel for taxpayers seeking fair and impartial resolution of grievances with tax and revenue authorities.

Broader Context of Tinubu's Tax Reforms

The appointment of Dr. Nwabueze is a key component of President Tinubu's broader agenda for fiscal and institutional reforms. This reform drive has been spearheaded by the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, inaugurated in August 2023. The committee's mandate includes harmonizing Nigeria's tax system, reducing multiple taxation, improving revenue generation, and raising the country's tax-to-GDP ratio.

Further solidifying these reforms, President Tinubu signed four landmark tax reform bills into law on June 26, 2025. These include the Nigeria Tax Act, the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, and the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Act. These new laws are anticipated to take effect from January 1, 2026, and are designed to comprehensively overhaul the Nigerian tax landscape, driving economic growth and enhancing effective tax administration.