Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, has pledged his administration’s support for the Office of the Tax Ombud in strengthening tax administration, protecting taxpayers’ rights and improving revenue mobilisation in the state. Governor Sani made the commitment when he received the Tax Ombud and Chief Executive, Dr John Nwabueze, who paid a courtesy visit to... The post Uba Sani Backs Tax Ombud, Seeks Stronger Revenue, Investor Confidence In Kaduna appeared first on New Telegraph .
Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, has pledged his administration’s support for the Office of the Tax Ombud in strengthening tax administration, protecting taxpayers’ rights and improving revenue mobilisation in the state.
Governor Sani made the commitment when he received the Tax Ombud and Chief Executive, Dr John Nwabueze, who paid a courtesy visit to the Kaduna State Government House.
In a statement issued by the Tax Ombud’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr Chukwudi Achife, the governor stressed the importance of collaboration between federal and state institutions in building a sustainable tax system capable of generating the revenue required to finance development.
Sani described the Office of the Tax Ombud as critical to building taxpayer confidence, particularly at the subnational level, saying a fair, transparent and efficient tax system was essential to Kaduna’s economic competitiveness and efforts to attract investment.
He commended Nwabueze for his 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.
According to him, greater awareness of taxpayers’ rights and accessible channels for resolving legitimate grievances would strengthen trust in the tax system and encourage voluntary compliance.
Earlier, Nwabueze assured the governor of the Tax Ombud’s commitment to partnering with Kaduna State to improve public confidence in tax administration, resolve legitimate taxpayer complaints and create a more predictable environment for businesses and investors.
He explained that the Office of the Tax Ombud complements the efforts of state governments to improve their fiscal position through enhanced tax compliance by providing an independent avenue for 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,” Nwabueze said.
The Tax Ombud noted that the quality of tax administration at the state level directly shapes citizens’ perception of taxation and, consequently, their willingness to meet their tax obligations.
He identified Kaduna as an important partner in the success of the ongoing tax reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Nwabueze urged subnational governments to strengthen collaboration with the Joint Revenue Board and the Office of the Tax Ombud to develop a tax system that commands public trust, mobilises adequate resources for development, promotes investment and safeguards the rights 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.
He further appealed to Governor Sani to support initiatives promoting taxpayer education, voluntary compliance, fairness and constructive engagement among the Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service, taxpayers and the Office of the Tax Ombud.
Nwabueze said stronger cooperation among the stakeholders would help create a more predictable tax environment, improve revenue performance and enhance the operating conditions for businesses and investors in Kaduna State.
