WorldStage— Enugu State has been selected to host the South-East Zonal Headquarters of the Office of the Tax Ombud, a move expected to improve taxpayer support services and enhance tax compliance across the region.
The Tax Ombud/Chief Executive of the Office of the Tax Ombud, Dr. John Nwabueze, disclosed this on Tuesday during a meeting with the Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, at the Government House, Enugu.
Nwabueze said the decision to establish the zonal headquarters in Enugu was based on the state’s position as one of Nigeria’s major industrial and commercial centres, with growing economic activities and contributions to revenue generation.
He explained that the presence of the office in the South-East would bring tax-related services closer to individuals and businesses while helping to address challenges such as multiple taxation and disputes between taxpayers and revenue authorities.
According to him, the Office of the Tax Ombud was created to provide a fair, transparent and impartial platform for resolving complaints and disputes involving taxpayers and government revenue agencies.
“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,” he said.
The Tax Ombud added that effective dispute resolution would promote voluntary tax compliance, reduce conflicts and improve public confidence in Nigeria’s tax administration system.
He described the establishment of the office as a key achievement of the tax reform agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu aimed at creating a more efficient, fair and citizen-focused tax system.
Nwabueze also announced that the office had launched digital platforms, including its official website, toll-free call centre and case management portal, to enable taxpayers access information, submit complaints and track the progress of their cases.
He called for stronger collaboration with the Enugu State Government to strengthen taxpayer protection and deepen confidence in the country’s evolving tax system.
Responding, Governor Mbah welcomed the decision to locate the South-East zonal headquarters in Enugu, assuring that the state would provide the necessary support and facilities for the office.
The governor said Enugu was suitable to host the institution, noting that his administration is pursuing an economic expansion plan aimed at growing the state’s economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion within eight years through private sector-driven investments.
Mbah said the Office of the Tax Ombud would be crucial as the state intensifies efforts to block revenue leakages, expand the tax base and improve compliance.
He also commended the Federal Government’s tax reforms, stressing that improved revenue generation was necessary to fund critical sectors, including education, healthcare and infrastructure.
