Tinubu Appoints Dr. John Nwabueze as Tax Ombudsman
ABUJA, November 5, 2025
…moves to strengthen transparency and fairness in Nigeria’s tax administration system
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of Dr. John Nwabueze as the Tax Ombudsman of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, in line with the provisions of the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Act, 2025.
The appointment of the Tax Ombudsman marks a major milestone in the Tinubu administration’s ongoing reform agenda to overhaul Nigeria’s tax and revenue administration framework, ensuring greater transparency, fairness, and accountability in the collection and management of public revenues.
According to a statement from the State House signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the President said the move reflects his administration’s determination to establish a credible mechanism for resolving tax-related grievances and restoring confidence among taxpayers and investors.
Dr. John Nwabueze, an accomplished finance expert from Oshimili South Local Government Area of Delta State, brings to the position a wealth of experience spanning public policy, legislative consulting, and private sector leadership.
Before his appointment as Tax Ombudsman, Nwabueze served as Managing Partner of a reputable tax advisory firm. He was also Technical Adviser to the Joint Senate Committees on the Federal Capital Territory and Finance of the National Assembly, and Technical Adviser to the Chief Economic Adviser to former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Dr. Nwabueze’s academic credentials include a Doctor of Business Administration (Finance) from Walden University, Minneapolis, USA; a Master of Science in Accounting from Strayer University, Washington, D.C.; and dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Accounting and Mathematics from the University of Jos, Nigeria.
President Tinubu, while congratulating him on the appointment, expressed confidence in Nwabueze’s ability to uphold the highest standards of integrity, diligence, and professionalism in the discharge of his new responsibilities.
The Tax Ombudsman Office, according to the statement, was established to strengthen transparency and accountability within Nigeria’s tax system. It is designed to enhance confidence in tax administration and provide an institutional platform for the impartial and fair resolution of disputes between taxpayers and revenue authorities.
The Office will handle complaints relating to taxes, levies, regulatory fees, customs duties, and excise matters, operating strictly within the provisions of existing laws and regulations.
Additionally, the Tax Ombudsman will ensure that all tax-related disputes are resolved efficiently, impartially, and in a non-adversarial manner – protecting taxpayers from the arbitrary or abusive exercise of power by revenue officials while promoting voluntary compliance and mutual trust between government and citizens.
Onanuga emphasized that the establishment of the Tax Ombudsman reflects President Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” commitment to building a tax regime anchored on justice, fairness, and professionalism, in line with international best practices.
This development is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s revenue system, foster investor confidence, and promote sustainable economic growth through improved tax compliance and dispute resolution mechanisms. Visit GMTNewsng for more news.
