Kaduna State seeks zonal Tax Ombud office to improve revenue fairness

During a North-West Zonal Stakeholders Engagement on Tax and Revenue Administration in Kaduna, the Kaduna State Government called for the establishment of a zonal office of the Tax Ombud. Governor Uba Sani, represented by Finance Commissioner Mohammed Ibrahim, stated that a local office would strengthen taxpayer protection and provide an independent mechanism for resolving administrative disputes.

Governor Sani highlighted that Kaduna State led the North-West region in tax revenue between 2023 and 2025, contributing approximately N220 billion of the region's N916 billion total. He attributed this success to stakeholder engagement and voluntary compliance rather than aggressive enforcement.

Dr. John Nwabueze, Chief Executive of the Office of the Tax Ombud, clarified the agency's role during the meeting. He warned that the office is not a tool for evading lawful tax payments or cancelling legitimate liabilities. Instead, the agency serves as an independent, non-judicial institution to review complaints regarding the fairness, transparency, and legality of the processes used to assess taxes, levies, and duties.