Borno State Government has been selected as the North-East Zonal Headquarters of the Office of the Tax Ombud, with Governor Babagana Umara Zulum pledging an office building and land for the agency’s operations.
The development was disclosed in Maiduguri when the Tax Ombud and Chief Executive of the Office of the Tax Ombud, Dr. John Nwabueze, paid a courtesy visit to Governor Zulum.
Nwabueze said locating the zonal headquarters in Borno would bring taxpayer support and dispute-resolution services closer to individuals and businesses across the North-East.
He added that the move would contribute to improving the tax-to-GDP ratio of both Borno State and the country, given the state’s strategic economic and revenue position in the region.
According to him, tax disputes, including those arising from multiple taxation, are inevitable in a vibrant commercial environment, making an effective mechanism for resolving disagreements between taxpayers and tax authorities essential.
He said the Office of the Tax Ombud was established to provide timely, transparent, impartial and amicable resolution of disputes between taxpayers and tax 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,” Nwabueze said.
The Tax Ombud described the establishment of the office as one of the landmark achievements of the tax reform agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, aimed at creating a fair, efficient and citizen-centred tax system.
Responding, Governor Zulum pledged the full support of the Borno State Government towards the successful establishment of the North-East zonal headquarters in Maiduguri.
The governor directed the immediate provision of an office building and other facilities required for the commencement of operations.
As part of measures to fast-track the process, Zulum constituted a committee comprising the Secretary to the State Government, Commissioner for Finance and other senior government officials to work with the Tax Ombud and identify the immediate requirements for the office.
The governor also directed the Director-General of the Borno State Geographic Information Service (BOGIS) to provide suitable land for the development of a permanent regional headquarters of the Office of the Tax Ombud.
The initiative is expected to strengthen taxpayer protection and improve access to tax dispute-resolution services across the North-East.
