Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has pledged his administration’s support for the Office of the Tax Ombud (OTO) as part of efforts to strengthen revenue mobilisation, protect taxpayer rights and boost investor confidence in the state.
Gatekeepers News reports that Sani made the commitment on Tuesday when the Tax Ombud and Chief Executive Officer of the OTO, John Nwabueze, paid a courtesy visit to the Kaduna State Government House.
The governor said building a strong and sustainable national tax system capable of generating adequate revenue for development could not be achieved by government institutions working in isolation.
He stressed the importance of effective collaboration between federal and state institutions in achieving the objectives of the country’s ongoing tax reforms.
Sani described the role of the Office of the Tax Ombud as critical to building taxpayer confidence, particularly at the subnational level.
According to him, a fair, efficient and transparent tax system is essential to Kaduna’s economic competitiveness and its efforts to attract investment.
The governor also commended Nwabueze for his ongoing stakeholder engagements aimed at increasing public awareness of the free mediation and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms available to taxpayers through the Office of the Tax Ombud.
He said greater awareness of taxpayers’ rights and the channels available for resolving legitimate grievances would strengthen trust in the tax system and encourage voluntary compliance.
Nwabueze pledges support for Kaduna tax administration
Nwabueze said the Office of the Tax Ombud would collaborate with Kaduna State to strengthen public confidence in tax administration, resolve legitimate taxpayer grievances and create a more predictable environment for businesses.
“Tax compliance and taxpayer rights must go hand in hand if we are to achieve the increased tax-to-GDP growth that Nigeria needs,” Nwabueze said.
He explained that the office complements the efforts of state governments to improve their fiscal positions through stronger tax compliance.
According to him, the Tax Ombud provides an independent mechanism for addressing complaints from taxpayers who believe they have been unfairly treated by tax and revenue authorities.
Nwabueze noted that the quality of tax administration at the state level directly affects citizens’ perception of taxation and, ultimately, their willingness to fulfil their tax obligations.
He described Kaduna State as a critical partner in the success of the ongoing tax reforms being championed under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Tax Ombud also stressed the need for subnational governments to work closely with the Joint Revenue Board and the Office of the Tax Ombud.
He said such collaboration would help build a tax system that Nigerians can trust — one capable of mobilising adequate resources for development, encouraging investment and protecting the rights and dignity of taxpayers.
“We believe that Kaduna State can serve as an important example of how efficient revenue administration can support economic growth while protecting taxpayers,” he said.
“The Office of the Tax Ombud is committed to working with Kaduna State to strengthen public confidence in the tax system, resolve legitimate taxpayer grievances and promote an environment where businesses can operate with greater certainty.”
Nwabueze further sought the governor’s support in promoting taxpayer education, voluntary compliance, fairness and constructive engagement among the Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service, taxpayers and the Office of the Tax Ombud.
He said stronger collaboration among the stakeholders would contribute to a more predictable tax environment, improved revenue performance and better conditions for businesses and investors across Kaduna State.
