New Year: Gombe Revenue Tribunal Reaffirms Drive for Fair Tax Administration

From Abubakar Rabilu, Gombe

The Gombe State Revenue Tribunal has extended New Year greetings to the people of the state, while reiterating its commitment to justice, fairness, transparency, and sustainable development in revenue administration.

Chairman of the Tribunal, Barrister Muhammad Tukur Jungudo, made this known during an interaction with journalists at the Tribunal’s end-of-year review meeting, describing the New Year as a period for reflection, renewal, and strengthened dedication to equitable governance.

He said the establishment of the Gombe State Revenue Tribunal by Governor Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya, alongside the assent to the Gombe State Revenue Tribunal Law, 2025, underscores the state government’s deliberate resolve to entrench accountability, transparency, and fairness in tax administration.

According to Jungudo, these developments have strengthened institutional frameworks for effective revenue governance and dispute resolution, while ensuring that taxpayers are treated with dignity and equity.

He disclosed that since its inauguration in October 2022, the Tribunal has recorded notable achievements in supporting improved revenue generation and enhancing public confidence in the tax system.

“These efforts have contributed significantly to the state’s development agenda, particularly in infrastructure development, education, healthcare delivery, and overall economic growth,” he said.

The Tribunal Chairman added that the body has provided an efficient, peaceful, and orderly platform for resolving tax disputes, reducing unnecessary litigation and fostering cooperation between taxpayers and government authorities.

“Through transparency and professionalism, the Tribunal has built trust, encouraged voluntary tax compliance, and educated citizens on taxation as a civic responsibility,” Jungudo added.

In a separate interview, the Tribunal’s Secretary, Barrister Hannatu Dauda Simon, highlighted the importance of the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Act, 2025, noting that it provides concurrent jurisdiction between federal and state tax tribunals.

She explained that the new national tax law, together with the recently assented Gombe State Revenue law, has further strengthened the Tribunal’s mandate, enabling it to adjudicate state tax matters more efficiently and deliver faster, more accessible justice to taxpayers within the state.

“As a specialised adjudicatory body, the Tribunal offers a cost-effective, expert-driven, and convenient process for resolving tax disputes, eliminating the need for taxpayers to seek redress outside the state,” she said.

Barrister Hannatu added that the Tribunal’s approach not only enhances justice delivery but also supports increased Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) for critical development projects across Gombe State.

She emphasised that the Gombe State Revenue Tribunal remains a partner in development and not an instrument of intimidation or harassment of taxpayers.

“Our mission is to promote fairness, support government initiatives, and foster a culture of compliance and cooperation,” she said.

As the New Year begins, she called on residents to continue supporting the vision and development agenda of the state government.

“Together, let us uphold justice, embrace responsibility, and work collectively towards sustainable progress. On behalf of the Tribunal, we wish the people of Gombe State a Happy and Prosperous New Year,” she concluded.