Enugu Becomes South-East Headquarters For New Tax Ombud Office
By Patience Ikpeme
The Federal Government has chosen Enugu State as the main center for the South-East zone of the newly created Office of the Tax Ombud.
This setup means business owners and everyday citizens in the South-East region can now get direct help with their tax issues without traveling all the way to Abuja.
The announcement came through an official statement issued in Abuja by Mr. Chukwudi Achife, the Chief Press Secretary to the Tax Ombud. According to the release, the head of the agency, Dr. John Nwabueze, made this known when he visited the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, at the Government House in Enugu.
Dr. Nwabueze explained that Enugu was picked because it stands out as one of Nigeria’s top trade and industrial centers, playing a heavy role in making money for the country.
He noted that when business is booming in an area, tax disagreements and the painful issue of people paying multiple taxes to different agencies are bound to happen. Because of this, the government set up the Office of the Tax Ombud to provide an independent, fair, and fast platform where taxpayers and government revenue agencies can settle their fights peacefully without running to court.
“While the payment of taxes remains an inalienable civic responsibility, taxpayers equally deserve to be treated fairly, respectfully and in accordance with the law as they fulfil this obligation,” Nwabueze said.
The tax boss explained that when citizens see that their complaints are handled properly, they will pay their taxes more willingly. This trust will reduce the constant arguments between the public and tax collectors, and stop people from doubting government intentions.
He added that this new agency is part of the major achievements under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ongoing tax reforms, which are aimed at designing a tax system that puts ordinary citizens first.
To make things easy for everyone, Dr. Nwabueze announced that the agency has opened its official website. They also launched a toll-free phone line and an online portal where anyone can log in, complain, and track how their case is going for free.
He then asked the Enugu State Government to work hand-in-hand with his office to protect taxpayers and build public trust in the country’s revenue system.
Explaining where the office gets its powers, Nwabueze said the Office of the Tax Ombud is an independent body created by law under the Joint Tax Board (Establishment) Act of 2025. Their job is to collect, investigate, and settle all complaints concerning taxes, local government levies, business fees, and customs duties.
Welcoming the news, Governor Peter Mbah said Enugu State is fully prepared to host the regional headquarters and will provide the offices and facilities needed to make it work.
He explained that Enugu is the perfect home for the agency, pointing out his administration’s massive target to expand the state’s economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion in eight years by attracting private businesses.
Governor Mbah told the visiting tax boss that this office is coming at the right time because Enugu is currently working hard to stop money leakages and bring more people into the tax net. He noted that having the agency nearby will make people comply better and help the state generate more revenue.
The Governor praised President Tinubu for rolling out these essential tax reforms, adding that they are necessary to help governments gather the funds needed to build good schools, hospitals, roads, and other social services for the people.
