Enugu to Host South-East Zonal Headquarters of the Office of the Tax Ombud

By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

Enugu State has been designated as the South-East Zonal Headquarters of the Office of the Tax Ombud, a development expected to enhance taxpayer support services and contribute to improving the tax-to-GDP ratio of both the state and the nation by bringing services closer to individuals and businesses across the region.

The Tax Ombud/Chief Executive, Office of the Tax Ombud, Dr. John Nwabueze, disclosed this during an audience with the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, at the Government House, Enugu.

Recognising Enugu State as one of Nigeria’s foremost industrial and commercial hubs, Dr. Nwabueze noted that the state occupies a strategic position in the operations of the Office, given its expanding economic activities and significant contribution to revenue generation.

He observed that tax-related disputes, including the challenge of multiple taxation, are inevitable in a vibrant commercial environment and stressed that the Office of the Tax Ombud was established to provide timely, transparent, impartial and amicable mechanisms for resolving disputes between taxpayers and revenue authorities.

“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 stated.

The Tax Ombud, according to a statement to a statement on Wednesday by Chukwudi Achife,

Chief Press Secretary to the Tax Ombud, further explained that effective dispute resolution 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 government to provide quality education, healthcare, infrastructure and other essential public services.