Tax Ombud Office Picks Enugu for South-East Regional Hub

Enugu State has officially been designated as the South-East Zonal Headquarters for the Office of the Tax Ombud. This strategic move aims to enhance taxpayer support services and improve the tax-to-Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ratio by bringing essential services closer to individuals and enterprises across the entire region.

Dr. John Nwabueze, the Tax Ombud and Chief Executive of the Office, revealed this development during his recent visit to Governor Peter Mbah at the Government House in Enugu on Tuesday. A statement released the same day by Chukwudi Achife, the Chief Press Secretary to the Tax Ombud, highlighted Enugu’s significant economic standing within the South-East as a key factor in this decision.

“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 affirmed. Nwabueze pointed out that tax-related disagreements, including issues of multiple taxation, are prevalent in dynamic commercial environments. He stressed that the Tax Ombud’s office was established to offer “timely, transparent, impartial and amicable mechanisms” for resolving disputes between taxpayers and revenue authorities.

He further stated, “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.” Nwabueze believes that effective dispute resolution will foster voluntary compliance, reduce friction between taxpayers and tax authorities, and ultimately diminish public skepticism regarding taxation.

The establishment of the Tax Ombud’s office, he added, is a significant outcome of President Bola Tinubu’s ongoing tax reform agenda, which seeks to create a fair and citizen-centric tax system. To enhance accessibility, the Office has also rolled out a dedicated website, a toll-free call centre, and a digital case management portal. These platforms, according to Nwabueze, enable taxpayers to submit complaints, access information, and monitor the progress of their cases in real-time.

The CEO appealed for cooperation from the Enugu State Government to bolster taxpayer protection, improve compliance rates, and build greater confidence in the tax system. He clarified that the Office of the Tax Ombud functions as an independent and impartial body, established under the Joint Tax Board (Establishment) Act, 2025. Its mandate covers handling complaints related to various taxes, levies, regulatory fees, customs duties, and excise matters.

In his response, Governor Mbah affirmed Enugu’s readiness to host the zonal headquarters, promising to provide all necessary facilities. He emphasized the state’s suitability for the role, citing its ambitious economic goals. Mbah outlined his administration's plan to expand Enugu's economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion over eight years, primarily through private sector-led investments. The governor believes the new office will help curb revenue leakages and enhance tax compliance, arriving at a crucial time as the state endeavors to broaden its tax base. He also commended President Tinubu’s tax reform initiatives, acknowledging their potential to support sustainable revenue generation for essential public services like education, healthcare, and infrastructure.