Borno Govt Commits to Hosting Tax Ombudsman Regional Office

 The Borno State Government has pledged its full support and political commitment toward establishing a regional office for the newly created Tax Ombudsman Nigeria in Maiduguri.

Governor Babagana Zulum made the pledge while receiving the Chief Executive of Tax Ombudsman Nigeria, Dr John Nwabueze, and his team in Maiduguri.

Zulum said Borno, as the regional hub of the North-East, would partner with the organisation to promote transparency, fairness, and development in tax administration. He disclosed that the state had already begun discussions with relevant authorities, including the Office of the Vice President, on establishing the regional office.

"I want to assure you that the government of Borno, under my leadership, will provide the needed political will and commitment to support your office," he said.

The governor directed the Secretary to the State Government, the Commissioner for Finance, and the State Revenue Service Board to engage with the organisation and work out modalities for meeting its immediate requirements. He also instructed officials to liaise with the Borno State Geographic Information Service to identify suitable land for a permanent office, while approving temporary accommodation in the interim.

Nwabueze said the visit was aimed at forging a partnership with the state to enhance transparency and fairness in tax administration. He explained that the office would mediate tax-related complaints, protect taxpayers' rights, and help identify systemic challenges — including multiple taxation — with a view to improving overall revenue administration.

 President Bola Tinubu established the Office of the Tax Ombudsman in 2025 to ensure equity, fairness, and justice in the administration of taxes across the country. The office is designed to enhance public confidence in tax administration and provide a structured mechanism for the fair, impartial resolution of disputes between taxpayers and revenue authorities.

It is responsible for receiving, reviewing, and resolving complaints relating to taxes, levies, regulatory fees, customs duties, excise matters, and other related issues, in accordance with existing laws and regulations. The ombudsman is further mandated to ensure that disputes are managed in an efficient, impartial, and non-adversarial manner — safeguarding taxpayers' rights against any arbitrary or abusive exercise of authority by tax officials.