Oborevwori Backs Fair Tax System As Delta Secures Regional Ombud Office
Delta Positioned as Regional Tax Arbitration Hub
DELTA State is set to play a central role in Nigeria’s evolving tax administration framework following its designation as the South-South Zonal Headquarters of the Office of the Tax Ombud Nigeria.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori made this known while receiving the Tax Ombud, John Nwabueze, and his delegation at Government House, Asaba.
The development positions Delta as a key centre for resolving tax-related disputes and strengthening accountability across the six states of the South-South geopolitical zone.
Commitment to Transparency and Fairness
Oborevwori reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fairness, transparency, and accountability in tax administration, describing the establishment of the Tax Ombud Office as a critical reform in Nigeria’s fiscal landscape.
He commended Bola Ahmed Tinubu for introducing the initiative under the 2025 tax reforms, noting that it addresses longstanding concerns around taxpayer protection and dispute resolution.
According to the governor, the ombud office will play a vital role in ensuring that taxpayers are treated fairly while also boosting public confidence in the system.
Aligning with National Tax Reforms
The governor disclosed that Delta State is aligning its policies with the National Tax Reform Law of 2025. As part of this effort, the state plans to repeal its 2020 Internal Revenue Service Law and replace it with a harmonised taxes and levies framework in 2026.
These reforms, he explained, are aimed at eliminating multiple taxation, improving the ease of doing business, and enhancing internally generated revenue without placing undue burden on citizens.
Oborevwori stressed that fairness remains central to the new tax regime, assuring residents that reforms would be people-focused while strengthening the state’s fiscal base.
Institutional Support for the Ombud Office
In a move to demonstrate commitment, the governor pledged to provide office accommodation for the Tax Ombud’s zonal headquarters in Delta State.
This support is expected to facilitate the smooth take-off of the office and reinforce collaboration between federal and state institutions in tax administration.
Recognition and Governance Credentials
Oborevwori also highlighted Delta’s recent ranking among Nigeria’s top 10 states in the 2025 Governance Accountability and Transparency Index, attributing the recognition to ongoing reforms and a commitment to good governance.
The hosting of the Tax Ombud Office, he suggested, further reinforces the state’s growing reputation as a centre for institutional innovation and fiscal responsibility.
A Strategic Partnership for Growth
Earlier, Tax Ombud John Nwabueze described Delta’s selection as the zonal headquarters as a reflection of its rising economic importance.
He expressed optimism that the partnership between the ombud office and the state government would promote a more transparent, efficient, and business-friendly tax environment.
Nwabueze explained that the office, established under the Joint Tax Board Establishment Act, 2025, serves as an independent platform for addressing complaints related to taxation, including levies, customs duties, and regulatory charges.
Strengthening Trust in the Tax System
With the new development, Delta State is expected to become a focal point for tax dispute resolution and policy coordination in the South-South.
Analysts note that if effectively implemented, the ombud system could help bridge the trust gap between taxpayers and authorities—an issue that has historically undermined revenue collection efforts.
For Delta, the hosting of the zonal office signals not just administrative prominence, but a deeper commitment to building a fair and accountable tax system.
