FCT-IRS Expresses Disappointment Over Staff Protest On Welfare, Promotion

The Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS) has expressed its disappointment over the actions of a group of individuals protesting over issues of promotion and staff welfare, despite the ongoing efforts and interventions by the current management.

The acting executive chairman, Michael Ango, in a statement, unequivocally stated that the welfare and professional development of its workforce remain a top priority under his leadership.

Ango said that staff members are the backbone of the organisation, and their dedication and contributions to the Service’s achievements are duly recognised and appreciated.

According to the statement, on the issue of staff promotion, the current administration, upon assumption of office, observed that a significant number of staff were due for promotion.

He said that consequently, the management initiated the necessary processes, including the conduct of promotion examinations in December 2025.

“The report of the exercise has been submitted for approval, in line with statutory requirements, particularly in the absence of a governing Board. Management remains committed to ensuring that all processes are concluded in a fair, transparent, and timely manner. Once approval is obtained, promotion letters will be issued, and successful staff will assume their new ranks with effect from the date of eligibility.

“With respect to salary review and general staff welfare, the management acknowledges the importance of a supportive and motivating work environment. The current administration has taken deliberate steps to cushion the impact of the fuel subsidy removal and prevailing economic challenges.

“It should be recalled that this administration paid the backlog of various allowances owed to staff of the FCT-IRS dating back to 2021 and has also increased and introduced various allowances which are paid to staff.

“It is important to note that salary adjustments require approvals beyond the Service, including those of the Honourable Minister and the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission. The process toward this has already been initiated and once concluded, the increase will be reflected in staff emoluments,” he said.

He further said that on secondment of staff, the engagement of the 12 staff from the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) was done to provide inter-agency support and enable FCT-IRS to leverage the experience and expertise of the staff in revenue administration, especially at the sub-national level.

“This is a practice that is prevalent in all agencies of government and was done in good faith to support existing staff with a view to shore up our revenue collection, and it has indeed added value to our operations.

“The staff will return to their parent agency once the FCT-IRS has sufficient staff to fill positions in the expanded organisational structure introduced by this administration,” he said.

Ango also said that in the area of work tools and environment, the management has demonstrated its commitment by renting new offices, and procuring and distributing 240 high-quality laptops to staff in the last two years, as against fewer than 100 functional computers that previously existed in the service since 2021.

“Management has also recently purchased two 30-seater staff buses which will be deployed shortly to ease transportation challenges arising from increased fuel costs, while efforts will continue to ensure the provision of modern tools and resources necessary for optimal performance.

“On staff development, training and capacity building have been prioritised more than ever. Since August 2024, staff have cumulatively attended 105 training events, internal and external, including foreign training.

“Within the current year alone, every member of staff has benefited from at least one form of training, including participation in professional conferences and development programmes. Management is also paying subscriptions to professional bodies for all staff members.

“It is also on record that the present management facilitated and encouraged the establishment of a staff union to promote structured and constructive engagement.

“Notably, the recognised union has distanced itself from the ongoing protest and is actively engaging with management on staff concerns. The current action by a group of individuals is therefore considered unnecessary and unproductive,” he said.

He said that the management remains open to constructive dialogue and continuous engagement with staff through appropriate and recognised channels to ensure that all concerns are addressed in a collaborative and sustainable manner.