Enugu State has been selected as the South-East zonal headquarters of the Office of the Tax Ombud, a development expected to strengthen taxpayer support services and improve tax compliance within the region.The announcement was made by the Tax Ombud and Chief Executive Officer of the Office of the Tax Ombud, John Nwabueze Dr. John Nwabueze, during a meeting with Peter Mbah Governor Peter Mbah at the Government House in Enugu Enugu on Tuesday.
Nwabueze explained that Enugu was chosen because of its strategic role as one of Nigeria’s major commercial and industrial hubs. He noted that the state’s growing economy and significant contribution to revenue generation made it an ideal location for the zonal headquarters.
He pointed out that tax disputes, especially issues involving multiple taxation, are common in busy commercial environments. According to him, the Office of the Tax Ombud was created to ensure disputes between taxpayers and revenue agencies are resolved fairly, transparently, and without unnecessary delays.
He emphasized that while paying taxes is a civic duty, taxpayers deserve to be treated with fairness, respect, and in line with the law.
Nwabueze further stated that a reliable dispute resolution system would encourage voluntary tax compliance, reduce conflicts between taxpayers and tax authorities, and increase public confidence in the tax system.
He described the establishment of the Office of the Tax Ombud as a major achievement of the tax reform agenda introduced by Bola Ahmed Tinubu President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, aimed at creating a more efficient, fair, and citizen-focused tax administration system.
He also revealed that the office recently launched an official website, a toll-free customer support centre, and a digital case management portal. These platforms are designed to help taxpayers access information, file complaints at no cost, and monitor the progress of their cases in real time.
Nwabueze called for stronger collaboration with the Enugu State Government to improve taxpayer protection, encourage voluntary compliance, and build greater trust in Nigeria’s tax administration.
He added that the Office of the Tax Ombud operates as an independent and neutral institution established under the Joint Tax Board (Establishment) Act, 2025. Its mandate includes handling complaints related to taxes, levies, regulatory charges, customs duties, and excise matters.
In response, Governor Mbah welcomed the decision to site the South-East headquarters in Enugu and assured the office of the state government’s support, including the provision of necessary facilities for smooth operations.
The governor stated that Enugu is well-prepared to host the regional headquarters, highlighting his administration’s goal of expanding the state’s economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion within eight years through private-sector-driven investment.
Mbah noted that the establishment of the Tax Ombud office comes at a critical period when the state is working to curb revenue leakages and widen its tax base. He expressed confidence that the institution would help improve tax compliance and increase revenue generation.
He also praised President Tinubu’s ongoing tax reforms, describing them as essential for sustainable revenue growth and for providing government with the resources needed to improve education, healthcare, infrastructure, and other vital public services.
The presence of the South-East zonal headquarters in Enugu is expected to bring taxpayer support services closer to individuals and businesses across the region, while also promoting better dispute resolution and a more transparent tax administration system.
