The Office of the Tax Ombud (OTO) in Nigeria is poised to unveil a comprehensive Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights and Obligations in the upcoming weeks. This initiative aims to enhance taxpayer awareness, promote fairness, and bolster trust in the nation's tax administration system.

Mr. John Nwabueze, the Chief Executive Officer of OTO, made this announcement during a recent stakeholders’ engagement event in Abuja. He emphasized that the Bill will provide taxpayers with a clear understanding of their rights and responsibilities, while also outlining the standards of fairness, transparency, and accountability that they can expect from tax and revenue authorities.

Nwabueze stated, "We believe this will strengthen taxpayer awareness, encourage voluntary compliance, prevent disputes and build greater trust across the tax ecosystem." The document will be accessible through the OTO’s digital platforms as well as other public channels, ensuring that it reaches a wide audience.

The stakeholders’ engagement was described by Nwabueze as a crucial element of the OTO’s campaign to raise awareness about taxpayer rights. He reiterated the office's commitment to fostering a fair, transparent, and responsive tax system in Nigeria. According to him, a simplified and equitable tax system is essential for cultivating a new national consciousness and restoring public trust in tax administration.

Nwabueze remarked, "This is not simply about discussing taxation and revenue. It is about strengthening the relationship between the taxpayer and the institutions responsible for administering public revenue."

In addition to the upcoming Bill, the OTO has initiated a structured public awareness and stakeholder sensitization program aimed at improving understanding of its mandate, services, and the rights available to taxpayers. Nwabueze pointed out that the effective protection of taxpayers’ rights hinges on citizens being informed about those rights and knowing how to seek redress when necessary.

Notably, Nigeria's OTO is the third such institution established in Africa and ranks as the ninth globally, positioning the country within a broader international trend in modern tax administration. This development reflects a growing recognition of the importance of taxpayer rights in fostering a more equitable and efficient tax system.