Asaba, Delta State — Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fairness, transparency, and accountability in tax administration as the state prepares to host the South-South Zonal Headquarters of the Tax Ombud Office.
The governor made this known on Thursday while receiving the Tax Ombud/Chief Executive Officer of the Office of the Tax Ombud Nigeria, Dr. John Nwabueze, and his delegation at Government House, Asaba.
Oborevwori described the visit as significant, noting that it reflects a shared commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s tax system through fairness and accountability. He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for establishing the independent Tax Ombud Office under the 2025 tax reforms, describing it as a timely intervention in the nation’s fiscal framework.
The governor congratulated Nwabueze on his appointment as the pioneer Tax Ombud/Chief Executive Officer, highlighting the importance of the office in protecting taxpayers’ rights, resolving disputes through free mediation, and ensuring accountability in tax administration.
He emphasized that Delta State fully supports the mission of the Tax Ombud Office, noting that its objectives align with the state’s ongoing reforms aimed at promoting transparency, reducing unfair treatment, and building public confidence in the tax system.
Oborevwori further disclosed that the state is aligning with the National Tax Reform Law of 2025 and is currently reviewing the Delta State Internal Revenue Service Law of 2020, with plans to introduce a harmonised taxes and levies law in 2026. According to him, these reforms are designed to curb multiple taxation, improve ease of doing business, and boost internally generated revenue.
Reiterating his administration’s people-centered approach, the governor assured that fairness to citizens remains central to the new tax regime, adding that policies will continue to focus on improving welfare while strengthening revenue generation.
He also pledged immediate support for the Tax Ombud Office by providing office accommodation in the state, in line with the Federal Government’s vision of an efficient and equitable tax system.
Highlighting recent achievements, Oborevwori revealed that Delta State was ranked among the top 10 states in Nigeria in the 2025 Governance Accountability and Transparency Index by a reputable body of online media editors, attributing the recognition to sustained reforms and commitment to good governance.
Earlier, Nwabueze expressed appreciation for the warm reception, describing his visit as both official and personal, being his first engagement in the South-South region since his appointment and also as a native of Delta State.
He announced that Delta State has been designated as the Zonal Headquarters of the Tax Ombud Office for the South-South geopolitical zone, covering six states. He described the development as a testament to the state’s growing economic and fiscal importance.
Nwabueze expressed optimism that the collaboration between the Tax Ombud Office and the Delta State Government would promote a more efficient, transparent, and business-friendly tax environment.
He explained that the Office of the Tax Ombud, established under the Joint Tax Board Establishment Act, 2025, is an independent institution responsible for addressing complaints related to taxation, including levies, regulatory charges, customs duties, and excise matters.