Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, has pledged his administration’s support for the establishment of a regional office of the Office of the Tax Ombud in Maiduguri.
Governor Zulum made the commitment when he received a delegation led by the Chief Executive of the Office of the Tax Ombud, Dr. John C. Nwabeze, on a courtesy visit to the Borno State Government House.
“Borno State, as the regional hub of the North East, would partner with the new institution to facilitate its operations and contribute to its growth and development,” he said.
He directed the Secretary to the State Government, Commissioner for Finance and the State Internal Revenue Service to engage the delegation and work out modalities to address its immediate requirements.
Governor Zulum also directed relevant government officials to identify suitable locations for the proposed regional office.
He assured the delegation that temporary office accommodation would be provided while the government considers medium and long-term solutions.
The Governor further directed the Borno State Geographic Information Service to assist in identifying suitable land and locations for the office.
Governor Zulum congratulated Dr. Nwabeze on his appointment as the pioneer Chief Executive of the Office of the Tax Ombud and assured him of the state government’s political will and commitment to support the institution.
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Earlier, Dr. Nwabeze said he was in Maiduguri to pay his respects to the Governor and formally introduced himself following his appointment by President Bola Tinubu.
He explained that the Office of the Tax Ombud was established under Nigeria’s recent tax reform framework to strengthen trust in the tax system, protect taxpayers’ rights and promote fairness and transparency.
According to him, “the office is also mandated to provide an independent avenue for resolving complaints and disputes involving taxpayers and tax authorities”.
Dr. Nwabeze said the Tax Ombud would serve as an impartial and fair arbiter in cases involving citizens, businesses and revenue authorities.
