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Traditional Rulers Back Tax Ombud’s Push for Voluntary Compliance, Taxpayer Rights
Traditional rulers in Nigeria have pledged to support federal efforts to promote taxpayer rights awareness and voluntary compliance, as the government moves to build trust in the country’s tax system.
The Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Coordinating Committee of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, gave the assurance in Abuja during a courtesy visit by the Tax Ombud and Chief Executive of the Office of the Tax Ombud, Dr. John Nwabueze.
The royal father described the establishment of the Office of the Tax Ombud under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda as “timely and critical” to strengthening confidence in tax administration.
He said traditional institutions would mobilise communities to ensure citizens understand their rights and have access to redress when they encounter problems with revenue authorities.
“The Office of the Tax Ombud offers hope to taxpayers who previously had no accessible and cost-effective mechanism for resolving grievances,” Alhaji Abubakar stated. “We will support a fair, transparent, accountable and people-centred tax system.”
Dr. Nwabueze said traditional rulers remain the most dependable social mobilisers at the grassroots and their support is vital to improving tax-to-GDP ratio through voluntary compliance.
He noted that Nigeria must diversify revenue and make taxation more people-centred if it is to fund development effectively.
He explained that the Office of the Tax Ombud was created to bridge the gap between taxpayers and tax authorities by resolving operational, procedural and administrative complaints outside the courts.
According to him, the office is mandated to resolve complaints within 14 days, with a possible seven-day extension, and provides its services free of charge to individuals, businesses, SMEs, tax practitioners and tax authorities.
The Tax Ombud added that the office had launched toll-free lines, a website and other digital platforms to improve access. Plans are also underway to open physical offices in all states and eventually in local government areas nationwide.
He urged Nigerians to see taxation not just as an obligation but as a civic duty that funds public services, and called on traditional rulers to lead the campaign for greater awareness.
The visit is part of the Tax Ombud’s nationwide sensitisation to deepen understanding of the office’s mandate and encourage voluntary compliance across the country.
