Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has reiterated his administration’s commitment to transparency, equity, and accountability in tax administration, as Delta State emerges as host of the South-South Zonal Headquarters of the Tax Ombud Office.
The Governor made this known on Thursday while receiving Dr. John Nwabueze, Tax Ombud and Chief Executive Officer of the Office of the Tax Ombud Nigeria, alongside his delegation at Government House, Asaba.
Welcoming the team despite the public holiday, Oborevwori described the visit as a reflection of shared efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s tax framework through fairness and institutional accountability.
He also commended Bola Ahmed Tinubu for establishing the independent Tax Ombud Office as part of the 2025 tax reforms, noting that the initiative represents a critical step in repositioning the nation’s fiscal architecture.
Congratulating Nwabueze on his appointment as pioneer Tax Ombud, the Governor underscored the importance of the office in safeguarding taxpayers’ rights, facilitating free dispute resolution, and promoting responsible tax administration.
“We fully support the mission of the Tax Ombud Office to promote transparency, eliminate unfair practices, and strengthen public trust in the tax system. These goals are in line with Delta State’s reform agenda,” Oborevwori stated.
He disclosed that the state is aligning with the National Tax Reform Law of 2025 and has commenced the process of repealing the Delta State Internal Revenue Service Law of 2020, with plans underway to introduce a harmonised taxes and levies law in 2026.
According to him, the reforms are targeted at eliminating multiple taxation, enhancing ease of doing business, and boosting internally generated revenue.
The Governor emphasized that fairness to citizens remains at the core of the evolving tax regime, assuring that policies would continue to balance revenue generation with the welfare of residents.
He further pledged immediate support for the Tax Ombud Office, including the provision of office accommodation in Delta State.
Highlighting the state’s governance strides, Oborevwori revealed that Delta recently ranked among the top 10 states in Nigeria in the 2025 Governance Accountability and Transparency Index, attributing the recognition to sustained reforms and a commitment to good governance.
Earlier, Nwabueze expressed appreciation for the warm reception, describing the visit as both official and personal—his first engagement in the South-South since assuming office and as an indigene of Delta State.
He announced that Delta has been designated as the Zonal Headquarters of the Tax Ombud Office for the South-South geopolitical zone, covering six states, a development he said underscores the state’s rising economic profile.
Nwabueze expressed confidence that collaboration between the Tax Ombud Office and the Delta State Government would drive a more transparent, efficient, and investor-friendly tax environment.
He explained that the Office of the Tax Ombud, established under the Joint Tax Board Establishment Act, 2025, functions as an independent body tasked with resolving tax-related complaints, including issues concerning levies, regulatory charges, customs duties, and excise matters.
