Tinubu appoints Dr. John Nwabueze as Nigeria’s first Tax Ombudsman

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of Dr. John Nwabueze as Nigeria’s Tax Ombudsman, in line with the newly enacted Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Act, 2025.

According to a statement issued on Tuesday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the appointment reflects the administration’s commitment to overhauling the nation’s tax and revenue administration system for greater transparency, fairness, and accountability.

Dr. Nwabueze, from Oshimili South Local Government Area of Delta State, is an accomplished tax professional and public policy expert with decades of experience across both the public and private sectors.

He previously served as Managing Partner of a tax advisory firm, Technical Adviser to the Joint Senate Committees on the Federal Capital Territory and Finance, and Technical Adviser to the Chief Economic Adviser to former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

The new Tax Ombudsman holds a Doctor of Business Administration (Finance) from Walden University, USA; an M.Sc. in Accounting from Strayer University, Washington D.C.; and Bachelor’s degrees in Accounting and Mathematics from the University of Jos.

The Office of the Tax Ombudsman, newly established under the Act, will handle complaints and disputes between taxpayers and revenue authorities, covering taxes, levies, customs duties, and excise matters.

It is tasked with ensuring fairness, impartiality, and efficiency in resolving tax-related grievances.

President Tinubu congratulated Dr. Nwabueze and expressed confidence in his ability to discharge his duties with integrity, diligence, and professionalism.

“The establishment of this office will strengthen public confidence in Nigeria’s tax system and ensure that taxpayers are protected from arbitrary actions by tax officials,” the statement added.