The management of the Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service has reacted to protests by some staff members over alleged poor welfare conditions, delayed promotions and unfair labour practices, insisting that steps are already being taken to address workers’ concerns.
Workers of the agency staged a protest at the organization’s headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, threatening to embark on an indefinite strike beginning May 18 if their demands were not met.
The protesters demanded the release of promotion letters, salary increments, improved healthcare and housing schemes, while also opposing the continued deployment of staff from other revenue agencies into the service.
In a statement issued after the protest, the management said it remained committed to the welfare and professional development of employees under the leadership of the Acting Executive Chairman, Michael Ango.
The agency described staff members as “the backbone of the organization,” adding that their efforts and contributions were recognized and appreciated.
Addressing complaints over promotions, management said it inherited a backlog of staff due for elevation and had since initiated promotion procedures, including examinations conducted 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,” the statement said.
The agency assured workers that the process would be completed in a fair and transparent manner, adding that successful staff members would assume their new ranks from their dates of eligibility once approvals were secured.
On salary adjustments and welfare packages, management acknowledged the economic challenges facing workers and said several interventions had already been introduced to cushion the impact of fuel subsidy removal.
“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 added.
According to the agency, salary reviews require approvals from external authorities, including the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, but noted that the process had already commenced.
The management also defended the deployment of 12 staff members from the Nigeria Revenue Service, saying the move was intended to strengthen collaboration and improve operational efficiency.
“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 said.
The service further disclosed that it had procured and distributed 240 laptops to staff over the last two years, compared to fewer than 100 functional computers previously available since 2021.
Management also revealed that two 30-seater staff buses had been acquired to ease transportation challenges caused by rising fuel prices.
On staff development, the agency stated that employees had participated in 105 local and international training programmes since August 2024.
“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 noted.
The agency added that it had facilitated the establishment of a recognized staff union to improve engagement with employees, distancing the union from the ongoing protest action.
“The current action by a group of individuals is therefore considered unnecessary and unproductive,” management stated.
Despite the tensions, the FCT-IRS said it remained open to dialogue and constructive engagement with workers to resolve all outstanding concerns.
