Archive November 4, 2025

According to the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Act, 2025, the Federal Government has appointed Dr. John Nwabueze as its tax ombudsman.

Bayo Onanuga, the president’s spokesman, made the disclosure in a statement on Tuesday, claiming that the appointment is in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to implement comprehensive and sustainable reforms in the tax and revenue administration framework.

The new position brings extensive professional and public service experience, including Dr. John Nwabueze from Delta State’s Oshimili South Local Government Area.

Prior to his appointment, he held positions as the managing partner of a reputable tax advisory firm, technical advisor to the Federal Capital Territory’s Joint Senate Committees, technical advisor to the Chief Economic Advisor to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, and other significant positions in both the public and private sectors.

Read more about Tinubu’s new $1.15 trillion domestic loan to finance the deficit for 2025.

Nwabueze holds two Bachelor of Science degrees in mathematics and accounting from the University of Jos, Nigeria, as well as a Doctor of Business Administration (Finance) degree from Walden University, Minneapolis, USA, and a Master of Science in Accounting from Strayer University, Washington, D.C.

The statement read, “President Tinubu congratulates Nwabueze on this appointment and expresses confidence in his ability to carry out his duties with the highest degree of professionalism,” the statement read.

The Tax Ombudsman was established to improve transparency and accountability within the tax system, foster trust in the administration of taxes, and establish a system for fair and impartial resolution of disputes between revenue authorities and taxpayers.

In accordance with current laws and regulations, the Office is tasked with receiving, reviewing, and resolving complaints involving taxes, levies, regulatory fees, customs duties, excise matters, and other related issues.

The House of Assembly received the 2026 Appropriation Bill worth $897.9 billion on Tuesday from Katsina governor Dikko Radda, who described it as “the most participatory and people-focused budget in the state’s history.”

The Governor explained to lawmakers at the assembly complex that the administration’s “Building Your Future III” budget was intended to strengthen its commitment to community-based development, education, healthcare, agriculture, and security.

Every project, program, and initiative encapsulated in this budget is intended to significantly improve the lives of our citizens. The governor declared that “we are steadfast in making sure that the advantages of governance reach every corner of our state, whether it is rural or urban.”

He claimed that a thorough ward-level consultation that involved 71, 384 people from 316 wards was the start of the 2026 budget. He claimed that the process made sure that community voices were taken into account when formulating budgets.

The participatory budgeting process involved 6, 649 households, and our administration personally managed it for 361 communities. The first time in Katsina’s history that citizens’ priorities are the foundation of a state budget, said Randa to the audience.

The 2026 budget saw education receive the largest sectoral allocation of ₦156.3 billion, followed by Works and Housing (₦117.1bn), Agriculture and Livestock (₦78.6bn), Health (₦67.5bn), Water Resources (₦62.8bn), and Environment (₦53.8bn).

The governor’s claim that nearly 60% of the total budget is made up of these top six ministries, which shows how the administration prioritizes human capital and infrastructure renewal.

Governor Radda reiterated Katsina’s intention to launch a secondary school management board in order to improve student outcomes and keep its reputation as one of Nigeria’s most progressive states in terms of education.

Because the future of Katsina depends on a educated generation, he said, “We are investing in teachers, schools, and facilities.”

READ ALSO: Radda Approves ₦677.6m For 2024/2025 Bursary, Scholarships

Governor Radda pointed out that the 2026 budget allocates 730.1 billion (81.2%) to capital expenditure and 167.7 billion (18.68%) to recurrent costs, a strategic change from previous years’ efforts to accelerate physical development. The budget’s overall size is up 29.7% from the budget for 2025.

This fiscal proposal is both prudent and disciplined. Our goal is to prevent implementation gaps and maintain fiscal balance while promoting sustainable growth, he said.

The governor cited farmer-focused policies, including subsidized seeds, fertilizer, mechanization, and irrigation support, as the reason Katsina had a “bumper harvest season” in his 2025 speech on the government’s performance.

He also reaffirmed the security commitment of his government, noting the success of the Community Watch Corps, the recruitment of 100 volunteers, and the continued cooperation with federal security agencies.

Many local governments have been restored to peace thanks to our community-driven approach to security. He continued, “We are still committed to protecting lives and livelihoods.”

The governor claimed that all the crucial sectors have performed better with the 2025 budget than the previous year’s budget.

Governor Radda thanked Katsina’s development partners for their technical and financial support, including the World Bank, UNICEF, UNDP, FCDO, ISDB, AFDB, and a number of NGOs.

He also praised lawmakers and civil servants for their “unwavering partnership in shaping a brighter Katsina.”

The oversight of the legislature continues to be a pillar of our democracy. We are creating a state that listens, acts, and delivers, he said.

Governor Radda pledged accountability and transparency in the implementation of the budget and urged the Assembly to pass it quickly.

By submitting a budget that reflects the aspirations of our citizens, we have fulfilled our constitutional obligation. He continued, “I have faith that this Honourable House will act quickly so that we can continue providing effective services to our citizens.”

The governor was commended for what he called a “detailed and visionary presentation” of the 2026 budget by the Speaker of the Katsina State House of Assembly, Nasir Daura, in a response.

Your Excellency has ensured that our citizens’ benefit continues to grow while making sure that public resources are properly utilized. According to the Speaker, many once-familiarized communities have since resurrected confidence and stability.

Speaker Yahaya praised the governor’s empowerment initiatives for young people, women, and vulnerable groups, noting how they reduced poverty and promoted governance confidence.

He assured that the House would give each allocation “serious and patriotic attention,” and that committees would “adjust” it to keep it realistic, person-oriented, and in line with the “Building Your Future” blueprint.

The Speaker pledged that “This Honourable House reaffirms its loyalty to the people and is ready to work with the Executive to ensure the budget’s timely passage and effective implementation.”