Tinubu appoints John Nwabueze as tax ombudsman

President Bola Tinubu has appointed John Nwabueze as the taxombudsman, in line with the provisions of the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria(establishment) Act, 2025. In a statement on Tuesday, Bayo Onanuga, special adviser tothe president on information and strategy, said the appointment aligns withTinubu’s commitment to implementing far-reaching and sustainable reforms inNigeria’s tax and revenue administration framework. Onanuga said Tinubu congratulated Nwabueze on hisappointment and expressed confidence that he would carry out his duties withintegrity, dedication, and utmost professionalism. According to the statement, Nwabueze, from Oshimili southlocal government area of Delta state, brings extensive professional and publicservice experience to the role. “Prior to his appointment, he served as Managing Partner ofa reputable tax advisory firm, Technical Adviser to the Joint Senate Committeeson the Federal Capital Territory and Finance of the National Assembly, andTechnical Adviser to the Chief Economic Adviser to former President OlusegunObasanjo, among other significant engagements in both the public and privatesectors,” the statement reads. “Nwabueze holds a Doctor of Business Administration(Finance) from Walden University, Minneapolis, USA; a Master of Science inAccounting from Strayer University, Washington, D.C.; and dual Bachelor ofScience degrees in Accounting and Mathematics from the University of Jos,Nigeria.” Onanuga said the office of the tax ombudsman was created tostrengthen transparency and accountability in the tax system, enhance publicconfidence in tax administration, and provide a structured mechanism for thefair and impartial resolution of disputes between taxpayers and revenueauthorities. “The office shall be responsible for receiving, reviewing,and resolving complaints relating to taxes, levies, regulatory fees, customsduties, excise matters, and other related issues, in accordance with extantlaws and regulations,” he said. The spokesperson added that the tax ombudsman is mandated toensure that disputes are managed in an efficient, impartial, andnon-adversarial manner, thereby protecting the rights of taxpayers againstarbitrary or abusive actions by tax officials.

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