Kaduna backs tax reforms to boost revenue mobilisation

Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has pledged support for the Office of the Tax Ombud as Nigeria advances reforms intended to improve tax collection and taxpayer protection.

Sani made the commitment when Tax Ombud chief John Nwabueze visited the Kaduna State Government House. The governor said a strong national tax system could not be built by federal and state institutions working separately. He called for cooperation to mobilise revenue for development.

The governor described a fair, efficient and transparent tax system as important to Kaduna’s economic competitiveness and investment drive. He also praised Nwabueze’s stakeholder engagements, which aim to explain the free mediation and alternative dispute-resolution services available to taxpayers.

Sani said greater awareness of taxpayer rights and complaint channels could build trust and encourage people to comply voluntarily with their tax obligations. Nwabueze, in turn, assured the governor that the Tax Ombud office would work with Kaduna to resolve legitimate grievances and strengthen confidence in tax administration.

The office provides an independent mechanism for taxpayers who believe tax or revenue authorities have treated them unfairly. Nwabueze said stronger tax compliance must accompany protection of taxpayer rights if Nigeria is to achieve the higher tax-to-GDP growth it needs. He added that the quality of tax administration at state level shapes citizens’ views of taxation and their willingness to comply.

“

Tax compliance and taxpayer rights must go hand in hand if we are to achieve the increased tax-to-GDP growth that Nigeria needs