The Office of the Tax Ombud and the Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority, OGFZA, are set to work together to attract more foreign direct investment into Nigeria’s oil and gas free zones. The partnership was announced on Wednesday, August 20th, 2026.

According to a press release, the collaboration will focus on resolving tax and fee-related grievances through mediation. The aim is to improve Nigeria’s tax-to-GDP ratio by making tax administration more fair and investor-friendly
The Tax Ombud, Dr. John C. Nwabueze, described the move as a solution for promoting transparency and predictability in the zones. He paid a courtesy visit to OGFZA to seal the agreement.

Dr. Nwabueze noted that while OGFZA regulates permits, licences and incentives in the zones, his office will provide an independent channel to handle complaints on taxes, levies, customs duties and excise matters.

He said areas of collaboration will include taxpayer complaint resolution, clarification of tax incentives, and review of systemic complaints. These steps, he added, will encourage voluntary tax compliance and align with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

In response, the Managing Director of OGFZA, Alhaji Usman Bamanga Jada, said investors in the zones already enjoy tax exemptions and duty concessions designed to boost FDI, infrastructure and job creation.

Alhaji Usman described the partnership as timely, saying it will help build investor confidence and support business growth in special economic zones across the country.

To fast-track the process, both agencies have appointed liaison officers to coordinate the new relationship and ensure quick results.