FCT-IRS denies neglect as workers protest

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The management of the Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service has reacted to the protest staged by some workers of the agency over alleged poor welfare conditions, delayed promotions and unfair labour practices, insisting that steps were already being taken to address the concerns raised by staff.

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The protesting workers, who picketed the agency’s headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, threatened to embark on an indefinite strike from May 18 if their demands, including the release of promotion letters, salary increment, improved healthcare and housing schemes, were not met.

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The workers also opposed the continued deployment of staff from other revenue agencies into the service.

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In a statement issued on Wednesday, the management said it remained committed to the welfare and professional development of its workforce under the leadership of the Acting Executive Chairman, Michael Ango.

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The management described staff members as “the backbone of the organisation,” adding that their “dedication and contributions to the service’s achievements are duly recognised and appreciated.”

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On promotion, the service disclosed that the current administration met a backlog of staff due for elevation upon assumption of office and subsequently initiated the necessary promotion processes, including examinations conducted in December 2025.

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“The report of the exercise has been submitted for approval, in line with statutory requirements, particularly in the absence of a governing board,” the statement noted.

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Management further assured workers that the process would be concluded in “a fair, transparent, and timely manner,” adding that successful staff would assume their new ranks from their dates of eligibility once approvals were secured.

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Addressing salary review and staff welfare, the management acknowledged prevailing economic hardships and said measures had been introduced to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal.

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

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The service explained that salary adjustments required approvals from external authorities, including the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, but stated that “the process has already been initiated.”

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On the deployment of 12 staff from the Nigeria Revenue Service, management said the arrangement was intended to strengthen inter-agency collaboration and improve revenue administration capacity.

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“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 shoring up our revenue collection, and it has indeed added value to our operations,” the statement added.

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The service also highlighted investments in work tools and infrastructure, revealing that 240 laptops had been procured and distributed to staff within the last two years, compared to fewer than 100 functional computers available since 2021.

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According to the statement, two 30-seater staff buses had also been acquired to ease transportation difficulties caused by rising fuel costs.

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On staff development, the management said training and capacity building had been given increased attention, with workers participating in 105 local and international training programmes since August 2024.

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“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,” the statement said.

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The management also disclosed that it facilitated the establishment of a staff union to encourage structured engagement with employees and noted that the recognised union had distinguished itself from the ongoing protest.

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“The current action by a group of individuals is therefore considered unnecessary and unproductive,” the statement added.

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While reaffirming its commitment to dialogue, the management said it remained open to “constructive dialogue and continuous engagement with staff through appropriate and recognised channels to ensure that all concerns are addressed collaboratively and sustainably.”

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