Uba Sani backs Tax Ombud, targets stronger revenue in Kaduna

Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, has pledged his administration’s support for the Office of the Tax Ombud in aligning state tax administration with ongoing national tax reforms, with a view to strengthening revenue mobilisation, protecting taxpayer rights and boosting investor confidence in the state.

Governor Sani gave the assurance on Tuesday when he received the Tax Ombud/Chief Executive, Dr. John Nwabueze, who paid a courtesy visit to the Kaduna State Government House.

The Governor said building a strong and sustainable national tax system capable of mobilising adequate revenue for development could not be achieved in silos, stressing the need for effective collaboration among federal and state institutions.

He described the role of the Office of the Tax Ombud as critical to fostering taxpayer confidence, particularly at the subnational level, noting that a fair, efficient and transparent tax system was essential to Kaduna State’s economic competitiveness and investment drive.

Governor Sani commended Dr. Nwabueze for his ongoing stakeholder engagements aimed at deepening public understanding 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 available channels for resolving legitimate grievances would help strengthen trust in the tax system and encourage voluntary compliance.

Speaking earlier, Dr. Nwabueze assured the Governor of the Office of the Tax Ombud’s commitment to working with Kaduna State to strengthen public confidence in tax administration, resolve legitimate taxpayer grievances and promote an environment where businesses can operate with greater certainty.

He said the Office of the Tax Ombud complements the efforts of state governments to strengthen their fiscal positions through improved tax compliance by providing an independent mechanism for addressing complaints from taxpayers who believe they have been unfairly treated by tax and revenue authorities.

“Tax compliance and taxpayer rights must go hand in hand if we are to achieve the increased tax-to-GDP growth that Nigeria needs,” Dr. Nwabueze said.

The Tax Ombud noted that the quality of tax administration at the state level directly influences citizens’ perception of taxation and, ultimately, their willingness to comply with their tax obligations.

He described Kaduna State as a critical partner in the success of the ongoing tax reforms being championed under the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Dr. Nwabueze underscored the need for subnational governments to work closely with the Joint Revenue Board and the Office of the Tax Ombud to build a tax system that Nigerians can trust—one that mobilises adequate resources for development, encourages investment and protects the rights and dignity of every taxpayer.

“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.”

Dr. Nwabueze further appealed for 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 such collaboration would contribute to a more predictable tax environment, stronger revenue performance and improved conditions for businesses and investors in Kaduna State.