By Abubakar Rabilu, Gombe
The Gombe State Revenue Tribunal has extended new year greetings to residents of the state, reaffirming its resolve to promote justice, fairness, transparency, and sustainable development in tax administration.
The Chairman of the Tribunal, Barrister Muhammad Tukur Junguɗo, stated this while addressing journalists during the Tribunal’s end-of-year review meeting, describing the new year as a time to reflect on achievements and renew commitment to equitable governance.
He said the establishment of the Gombe State Revenue Tribunal by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, coupled with the assent to the Gombe State Revenue Tribunal Law, 2025, demonstrates the state government’s determination to strengthen accountability and fairness in revenue administration.
According to Jungudo, these legal and institutional reforms have enhanced revenue governance, improved dispute resolution mechanisms, and ensured that taxpayers are treated with dignity and equity.
He disclosed that since its inauguration in October 2022, the Tribunal has recorded measurable progress in supporting improved revenue generation and increasing public confidence in the tax system.
“These gains have contributed meaningfully to the state’s development agenda, particularly in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic growth,” he said.
The tribunal chairman added that the body has provided a peaceful, orderly, and efficient platform for resolving tax disputes, reducing avoidable litigation and encouraging cooperation between taxpayers and government agencies.
“Through professionalism and transparency, we have strengthened trust, promoted voluntary tax compliance, and deepened public understanding of taxation as a civic responsibility,” Junguɗo noted.
In a separate interview, the Tribunal’s Secretary, Barrister Hannatu Dauda Simon, highlighted the relevance of the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Act, 2025, which grants concurrent jurisdiction to federal and state tax tribunals.
She explained that the new national tax framework, alongside the Gombe State Revenue Tribunal Law, has further strengthened the tribunal’s mandate to handle state tax matters more efficiently and deliver faster, accessible justice to taxpayers within the state.
“As a specialised adjudicatory body, the tribunal provides a cost-effective, expert-driven, and convenient mechanism for tax dispute resolution, eliminating the need for taxpayers to seek redress outside Gombe State,” she said.
Barrister Hannatu added that the tribunal’s work not only improves justice delivery but also supports increased Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) for critical development projects across the state.
She stressed that the tribunal remains a partner in development and not an instrument of intimidation or harassment of taxpayers.
“Our mandate is to promote fairness, support government reforms, and foster a culture of compliance and cooperation,” she said.
As the new year unfolds, she urged residents to continue supporting the state government’s development agenda.
“Together, we must 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.