Borno State has been designated as the North-East Zonal headquarters of the Office of the Tax Ombud as part of the Federal Government’s efforts to bring taxpayer support and dispute-resolution services closer to individuals and businesses across the geopolitical zone.
The development was disclosed in Maiduguri, when the Tax Ombud/Chief Executive of the Office of the Tax Ombud, Dr John Nwabueze, paid a visit to the governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum.
Dr Nwabueze said the establishment of the zonal headquarters in Borno would enhance taxpayer support services across the North-East and contribute to improving the tax-to-GDP ratio of both the state and the nation, given Borno’s strategic economic and revenue position in the zone.
The Tax Ombud noted that tax-related disputes, including challenges arising from multiple taxation, were inevitable at the subnational level in a vibrant commercial environment. He stressed that it was established to provide timely, transparent, impartial and amicable mechanisms for resolving 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,’ Dr Nwabueze said.
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 His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, aimed at building a fair, efficient and citizen-centred tax system.
Responding, Governor Zulum pledged the necessary political will and support to ensure the successful hosting of the North-East Zonal Headquarters of the Office of the Tax Ombud in Borno State.
The governor also pledged the immediate provision of an office building and other necessary facilities required for the take-off of the zonal headquarters in Maiduguri.
To demonstrate his commitment, Governor Zulum constituted a committee comprising the Secretary to the State Government, the Commissioner of Finance and other senior government officials to engage with the Tax Ombud and identify the immediate needs and requirements for the office to commence operations in Maiduguri without further delay.
In the long term, Governor Zulum directed the Director-General of the Borno State Geographic Information Service (BOGIS), which is responsible for land administration, to provide suitable land for the development of a permanent regional headquarters of the Office of the Tax Ombud.