Enugu State would host the South-East Zonal Headquarters of the Office of the Tax Ombud, a decision officials say would bring taxpayers support services closer to the individuals and businesses in the region and help raise tax-to-GDP ratios at both state and national levels.
The Tax Ombud and Chief Executive of the Office, Dr. John Nwabueze, announced the designation on Tuesday during a meeting with Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, at the Government House in Enugu.
Nwabueze, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Chukwudi Achife, described Enugu as one of Nigeria’s leading industrial and commercial centres, noting that its expanding economic activity and revenue contribution made it a strategic location for the office.
He said disputes between taxpayers and revenue authorities, including cases of multiple taxation, were common in active commercial environments, and that the Office of the Tax Ombud exists to resolve such disputes through processes that are timely, transparent, impartial and amicable.
“While the payment of taxes remains an inalienable civic responsibility, taxpayers equally deserve to be treated fairly, respectfully and in accordance with the law as they fulfil this obligation,” Nwabueze said.
He added that resolving disputes effectively would encourage voluntary compliance, reduce friction between taxpayers and tax authorities, and significantly diminish public scepticism towards tax matters.
According to him, the establishment of the Office of the Tax Ombud represents one of the landmark achievements of the ongoing tax reform agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, aimed at building a fair, efficient and citizen-centred tax system.
As part of efforts to improve accessibility and public engagement, Dr. Nwabueze disclosed that the Office recently unveiled its official website and launched a toll-free call centre and a digital case management portal. These platforms enable taxpayers to obtain information, lodge complaints online or by telephone at no cost, and monitor the progress of their cases in real time.
Dr. Nwabueze called for strategic collaboration with the Enugu State Government to deepen taxpayer protection, promote voluntary tax compliance and strengthen public confidence in Nigeria’s evolving tax administration system.
He explained that the Office of the Tax Ombud is an independent and impartial institution established under the Joint Tax Board (Establishment) Act, 2025, with the mandate to receive, review and resolve complaints relating to taxes, levies, regulatory fees, charges, customs duties and excise matters.
Responding, Governor Mbah expressed the state’s readiness to host the regional headquarters, including the provision of the necessary facilities. He added that Enugu is a fitting host for an important institution such as the Office of the Tax Ombud, citing his administration’s commitment to growing the state’s economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion within eight years through private sector-driven investments.
The Governor told his august visitor that the establishment of the Office of the Tax Ombud is particularly critical at a time when his administration is intensifying efforts to block revenue leakages and widen the tax net. He noted that the Office would help improve tax compliance and boost revenue generation.
He also lauded President Tinubu for his reform initiatives, particularly the tax reforms necessary to drive sustainable revenue growth required for the government to provide quality education, healthcare, infrastructure and other essential public services.
