Enugu State has been designated as the South-East Zonal Headquarters of the Office of the Tax Ombud, a move aimed at improving taxpayer support services and strengthen the tax-to-GDP ratio by bringing services closer to individuals and businesses across the region.
The Tax Ombud and Chief Executive of the Office, John Nwabueze, disclosed this during a visit to Governor Peter Mbah at the Government House, Enugu, on Tuesday.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Tax Ombud, Chukwudi Achife, the designation reflects Enugu’s strategic economic position in the South-East.
“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,” the statement read.
He said tax-related disputes, including issues of multiple taxation, are common in a vibrant commercial environment, adding that the office of the tax ombud was created 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 said.
Nwabueze said effective dispute resolution would encourage voluntary compliance, reduce friction between taxpayers and tax authorities, and help reduce public scepticism about taxation.
He added 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 building a fair and citizen-centred tax system.
He also disclosed that the Office has launched a website, toll-free call centre and digital case management portal to improve accessibility.
According to him, the platforms allow taxpayers to lodge complaints, obtain information and track case progress in real time.
The CEO called for collaboration with the Enugu State Government to strengthen taxpayer protection, improve compliance and boost confidence in the tax system.
He explained that the office of the tax ombud operates as an independent and impartial institution established under the Joint Tax Board (Establishment) Act, 2025, with the mandate to handle complaints relating to taxes, levies, regulatory fees, customs duties and excise matters.
Responding, Governor Mbah said Enugu was ready to host the zonal headquarters and would provide the necessary facilities.
He said the state was a suitable host given its economic ambitions.
He noted that his administration aims to grow Enugu’s economy from $4.4bn to $30bn within eight years through private sector-led investments.
The governor said the establishment of the office would help curb revenue leakages and improve tax compliance, adding that it comes at a time when the state is working to expand its tax base.
Mbah also commended Tinubu’s tax reform initiatives, saying they would support sustainable revenue generation for public services such as education, healthcare and infrastructure.