The Office of the Tax Ombud has pledged to intensify efforts to resolve taxpayers’ grievances and promote fairness and transparency in tax administration across the North-West.
The Tax Ombud and Director Executive of the office, Dr John Nwabueze, made the commitment at a two-day stakeholder engagement on taxpayer rights and earnings administration in Kaduna.
Nwabueze said the office was acknowledged as an free, impartial and non-judicial body to resolve functional, procedural and administrative grievances arising from tax administration.
He said its services were free and focused on resolving disputes, mediating complaints and promoting a available and equitable tax mechanism.
“Our focus is not simply on the rights of taxpayers but furthermore on their responsibilities and those of the linked authorities,” he said.
Nwabueze clarified that the Tax Ombud was not identified to assist taxpayers evade their lawful obligations or cancel legitimate tax liabilities.
“The Tax Ombud is not a mechanism for cancelling lawful tax liabilities merely given that the taxpayer does not wish to spend. We do not build tax policy. We do not stimulate non-compliance,” he said.
He said the engagement, which brought together stakeholders from the seven North-West states, the personal sector and skilled individual bodies, was aimed at strengthening dialogue amid taxpayers and tax authorities.
He added that a roadshow across Kaduna metropolis was organised to sensitise taxpayers and enterprise owners on their rights and responsibilities.
The usual of the Nigerian Salary Facility, Falalu Yahya, described the Tax Ombud as a commendable initiative that could present relief to taxpayers who might otherwise encounter detailed and valuable litigation.
Kaduna Status Governor Uba Sani, represented by the Commissioner of Finance, Ibrahim Tanko Mohammed, said improved taxpayer compliance was important for generating revenue to sponsor development projects and social services.
He said Kaduna had improved tax selection across technology and consistent engagement alongside taxpayers.
The governor appealed to the Tax Ombud to weigh Kaduna as the North-West territorial headquarters, pledging government approve for its establishment.
Sokoto Declare Governor Ahmad Aliyu, represented by his Distinctive Adviser on Earnings and Taxation, Isah Mu’azu, said the office was prompt as states sought to broaden internally generated earnings.
He said the Ombud would support construct taxpayer confidence by providing an available mechanism for resolving complaints and disputes.
The North-West Chairman of the Manufacturers Unit of Nigeria, Kabir Kassim, and Chairman of ICAN Kaduna District, AbdulAzeez Olagunju, moreover welcomed the initiative, stressing the importance of fairness and accountability in sales administration.
Stakeholders pledged continued teamwork to trade a equitable, plain and accountable tax structure in the region.
Source: Tax Ombud moves to tackle taxpayers’ grievances in N/West
