The Nigerian government has launched a free tax-dispute-resolution service through the newly created Tax Ombud office to settle financial disagreements without cost.
This initiative marks a shift in how the state manages revenue conflicts, aiming to lower the barrier for citizens to seek redress and build trust between taxpayers and the government.
Oyedele, a spokesperson for the Tax Ombud office, said the service is designed to ensure that tax issues are resolved efficiently and without financial burden to the applicant [1]. By removing the cost of resolution, the government intends to encourage more taxpayers to settle outstanding disputes rather than avoiding the system entirely [1].
The office has implemented a strict timeframe for these proceedings. There is now a 30-day limit for the settlement of tax disputes [2]. This window is intended to prevent long-term litigation and provide rapid closure for both the state and the individual.
Nwabueze said the timeline is in line with the provisions of the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Act [2]. The adherence to this Act ensures that the new ombudsman's processes remain legally sound while accelerating the pace of resolution.
The service is available in Lagos and other regions as the government seeks to modernize its fiscal administration [2]. By providing a dedicated office for these grievances, the state moves away from traditional, often slower, judicial processes for tax disagreements.
“the timeline is in line with the provisions of the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Act”
The establishment of the Tax Ombud office suggests a strategic move by the Nigerian government to increase voluntary tax compliance. By removing the cost of dispute resolution and imposing a 30-day deadline, the state is attempting to reduce the backlog of tax litigation and create a more predictable environment for businesses and individuals, which could potentially stabilize domestic revenue collection.
