Borno State has been designated to host the North-East regional office of the Office of the Tax Ombud, in a move intended to improve access to taxpayer assistance and provide a regional channel for resolving disputes between taxpayers and revenue authorities.
The development was discussed in Maiduguri when the Tax Ombud and Chief Executive of the office, Dr John Nwabueze, visited Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum.
During the visit, Nwabueze outlined the office’s mandate and the proposed regional presence, while Zulum pledged his administration’s support for establishing the facility in the state.
Regional Office to Improve Access to Taxpayer Services
The Office of the Tax Ombud is designed to provide an independent avenue for addressing complaints and disputes involving taxpayers, businesses and tax authorities.
Its role includes helping to resolve grievances arising from tax administration and providing a channel through which taxpayers can seek impartial consideration of disputes.
Establishing a regional office in Maiduguri would bring these services closer to individuals and businesses in Borno and other states across the North-East, potentially reducing the need for taxpayers to travel outside the region to seek assistance.
For businesses operating in areas where access to specialised administrative services may be limited, a regional presence could also make it easier to obtain guidance and pursue complaints.
However, the effectiveness of the arrangement will depend on the office’s operational capacity, accessibility, staffing and ability to handle complaints within reasonable timeframes.
Zulum Pledges Support for Establishment
Zulum welcomed the proposed regional office and pledged that the Borno State Government would support its establishment in Maiduguri.
He directed the Secretary to the State Government, the Commissioner for Finance and the state’s internal revenue authorities to work with the Tax Ombud’s delegation to determine the immediate requirements for the office.
The governor also directed relevant officials to identify suitable locations and provide temporary accommodation while longer-term arrangements are considered.
The state government further indicated that it would assist with identifying suitable land and facilities for the regional operation.
The commitment provides an initial framework for cooperation between the state government and the federal institution, although the proposed facility’s full operational arrangements will depend on subsequent implementation steps.
Implications for Businesses and Taxpayers
The initiative comes amid continuing discussions about improving tax administration, strengthening compliance and widening access to mechanisms for resolving disputes.
An effective taxpayer-support system can help clarify obligations, address complaints about administrative decisions and improve confidence in tax institutions.
For small businesses, traders and other taxpayers, the availability of a regional dispute-resolution channel may be particularly relevant where disputes involve assessments, enforcement actions or the interpretation of tax obligations.
The Tax Ombud’s role is distinct from that of a revenue-collection agency: its stated function includes providing an independent avenue for complaints involving taxpayers and tax authorities.
Tax Administration and Revenue Reform
Nwabueze said the office’s regional presence could contribute to improved taxpayer services and support efforts to strengthen the tax-to-GDP ratio.
That objective forms part of a wider policy discussion about domestic revenue mobilisation, public finance and the relationship between tax compliance and confidence in government institutions.
Improving revenue performance, however, involves several factors, including economic activity, the size of the formal sector, the efficiency of collection systems and the clarity of tax rules.
The proposed Borno office will therefore need to combine accessibility with transparent procedures and effective complaint handling if it is to make a meaningful contribution to taxpayer confidence across the North-East.