Nigerian Government has reaffirmed its commitment to building a transparent, accountable, and citizen-focused tax administration system as part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the declaration in Abuja during the unveiling of the official website and launch of the toll-free call centre of the Tax Ombud Office.
Describing the initiative as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s tax reform efforts, the minister said the platforms would strengthen public trust, improve accessibility, and promote fairness within the nation’s tax administration framework.
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“This is a major milestone in strengthening public trust, improving accessibility, and promoting fairness in Nigeria’s tax administration system. Effective communication and citizen engagement remain central to the success of ongoing economic reforms such as this,” Idris stated.
The minister explained that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration remains focused on implementing strategic reforms aimed at boosting revenue generation, ensuring fiscal sustainability, and accelerating national development.
“Under the visionary leadership of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Federal Government remains steadfast in its commitment to building a stronger, more resilient, and prosperous economy through bold and strategic reforms,” he revealed.
Idris disclosed that taxation remains critical to national growth, providing the financial resources required for investments in infrastructure, healthcare, education, transportation, and security.
He, however, stressed that effective tax administration must be driven not only by enforcement but also by public confidence and fairness.
“Tax administration cannot succeed on enforcement alone. It must be supported by public trust, transparency, fairness, and effective communication,” the Minister stressed.
According to him, the Tax Ombud Office serves as an important bridge between taxpayers and tax authorities by offering Nigerians access to a fair and professional complaint-resolution mechanism.
He commended the introduction of the toll-free call centre and official website, describing them as important tools for eliminating communication barriers and improving access to tax-related information and services.
“The launch of the Toll-Free Call Centre demonstrates a commitment to removing communication barriers and ensuring that Nigerians can easily seek information, make enquiries, and resolve complaints without unnecessary difficulties or financial burden,” Idris emphasised.
The Minister further highlighted the importance of public enlightenment and civic education in promoting voluntary tax compliance and responsible citizenship.
“Tax education is not just about revenue generation; it is about building a culture of national participation and shared responsibility,” he noted.
He warned that misinformation and poor communication often undermine reform efforts and contribute to public distrust, calling for stronger collaboration among government institutions, the media, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders.
“Misinformation and inadequate communication often contribute to distrust and resistance to reforms. This underscores the importance of strategic media engagement and sustained public communication,” Idris explained
The Minister also reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation to supporting national sensitisation campaigns on tax reforms, taxpayers’ rights, and available complaint-resolution mechanisms.
He said clear and consistent communication would help Nigerians better understand the role of taxation in advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda and national development.
Idris commended the Tax Ombud Office on the successful launch of the platforms and urged stakeholders to continue working together towards building a tax administration system that is transparent, efficient, and responsive to citizens’ needs.
Stakeholders were urged to continue working together to build a tax administration system that is transparent, efficient, and responsive to the needs of Nigerians.
Dignitaries present at the event included the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele; the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Esther Walson-Jack; the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Tax Ombud Office, John C. Nwabueze; alongside other senior government officials and stakeholders.
