As Nigeria advances the implementation of its 2025 tax reforms, the Cross River Internal Revenue Service (CRIRS) has taken a significant step towards strengthening taxpayer protection and institutional collaboration, with its Executive Chairman, Prince Edwin Okon, meeting with the Chief Executive Officer/Tax Ombudsman of the Office of the Tax Ombud, Dr. John Nwabueze, in Abuja.
The high-level engagement underscored a shared commitment to building a fair, transparent and accountable tax system through stronger institutional partnerships, improved taxpayer protection and enhanced public confidence in tax administration.
Discussions focused on deepening collaboration between CRIRS and the Office of the Tax Ombud in line with the Federal Government’s ongoing tax reform agenda, with both institutions reaffirming the need to uphold taxpayers’ rights while promoting efficiency, transparency and accountability in tax administration.
The Office of the Tax Ombud was established under Part VI (Sections 36–41) of the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Act, 2025, as an independent body charged with reviewing and resolving tax-related complaints, protecting taxpayers’ rights and ensuring fairness in the administration of tax laws. The Act also provides for the establishment of its headquarters in the Federal Capital Territory and at least one regional office in each of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
In furtherance of this mandate, the Office has established its South-South Regional Office in Asaba, Delta State, bringing its services closer to taxpayers across the region. The development is expected to improve access to independent dispute resolution, strengthen taxpayer confidence and reinforce the principles of transparency, accountability and fairness in tax administration.
By Achiane Adams
