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 recently in Maiduguri when the CEO of the Office of the Tax Ombudsman, John Nwabueze, paid a courtesy visit to Governor Babagana Zulum.

Mr 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.

Mr Zulum made the pledge when he received the chief executive of Tax Ombudsman Nigeria, John Nwabueze, and his team in Maiduguri. He said Borno, as the regional hub of the North-East, would partner with the organisation to promote transparency, fairness and development in tax administration.

The governor said the state had 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.

Mr Zulum directed the secretary to the state government, finance commissioner and Borno’s revenue board to engage with the organisation and work out modalities for meeting its immediate requirements. He also directed officials to liaise with the Borno State Geographic Information Service to identify suitable land for a permanent office, while approving temporary accommodation.

Mr Nwabueze said the visit aimed to partner with the state to enhance transparency and fairness in tax administration. He said the office would mediate tax complaints, protect taxpayers’ rights and identify systemic challenges, including multiple taxation, to improve 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 in the country.

The office seeks to enhance confidence in tax administration and provide a structured mechanism for the fair and impartial resolution of disputes between taxpayers and revenue authorities. The office is to be responsible for receiving, reviewing, and resolving complaints relating to taxes, levies, regulatory fees, customs duties, excise matters, and other related issues, in accordance with extant laws and regulations.

The ombudsman is also mandated to ensure disputes are managed efficiently, impartially, and non-adversarially, safeguarding taxpayers’ rights against the arbitrary or abusive exercise of authority by tax officials.

(NAN)