Enugu State has been designated as the South-East Zonal Headquarters of the Office of the Tax Ombud, a move expected to improve taxpayer support services and strengthen tax administration across the region.
The Tax Ombud and Chief Executive of the Office of the Tax Ombud, Dr. John Nwabueze, disclosed this during a visit to Governor Peter Mbah at the Government House in Enugu.
Nwabueze described Enugu as one of Nigeria’s leading industrial and commercial centres, noting that its growing economy and contribution to revenue generation make it a strategic location for the regional headquarters.
He explained that the Office of the Tax Ombud was established to provide impartial and efficient mechanisms for resolving disputes between taxpayers and revenue authorities, including issues relating to multiple taxation.
According to him, while tax payment remains a civic obligation, taxpayers deserve to be treated fairly and in accordance with the law.
He said effective dispute resolution would encourage voluntary tax compliance, reduce tensions between taxpayers and tax authorities, and improve public confidence in the tax system.
Nwabueze noted that the establishment of the Office of the Tax Ombud is one of the key outcomes of President Bola Tinubu’s ongoing tax reform agenda aimed at creating a fair and citizen-focused tax administration system.
He also revealed that the Office recently launched an official website, a toll-free call centre, and a digital case management portal to enable taxpayers to access information, submit complaints, and monitor their cases at no cost.
The Tax Ombud called for stronger collaboration with the Enugu State Government to enhance taxpayer protection and deepen public trust in Nigeria’s tax administration framework.
He explained that the Office of the Tax Ombud is an independent institution established under the Joint Tax Board (Establishment) Act, 2025, with the mandate to receive and resolve complaints relating to taxes, levies, regulatory fees, customs duties, and excise matters.
Responding, Governor Peter Mbah welcomed the decision to locate the South-East headquarters in Enugu and pledged the state’s support, including the provision of necessary facilities.
The governor said Enugu was well-positioned to host the office, citing his administration’s target of expanding the state’s economy from $4.4bn to $30bn within eight years through private sector-led investments.
Mbah added that the Office of the Tax Ombud would play a crucial role in efforts to curb revenue leakages, improve tax compliance, and boost government revenue.
