FCT-IRS Workers Lament Stagnant Salaries, Unfair Practices, Threaten Strike

Workers of the Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS) have accused the Acting Executive Chairman Michael Hadi Ango and management of the agency of prolonged unfair labour practices, poor welfare conditions, suppression of constitutional rights and workplace intimidation, warning that they may embark on an indefinite strike if their demands are not addressed. The aggrieved staff members, who spoke to SaharaReporters, described the current atmosphere within the Service as hostile, toxic and deeply frustrating, alleging that employees have suffered years of salary stagnation, delayed promotions and exclusion from Federal Government-approved welfare improvements despite consistently surpassing revenue targets. According to the workers, there has been no meaningful salary increase since 2021, even as inflation and economic hardship continue to worsen across the country. “For several years, staff of the Service have endured severe hardship and stagnation under extremely unfavourable working conditions,” one of the affected workers said. “Since 2021, there has been no meaningful salary increment despite the rising cost of living and worsening economic realities in the country. Promotions have also been delayed for years, leaving many deserving staff stagnated without career progression or motivation.” The workers noted that despite the difficult conditions, employees of the Service have remained committed to their duties and have consistently delivered outstanding revenue performance for the Federal Capital Territory. A top official within the Service told SaharaReporters that staff dedication and sacrifices were largely responsible for the agency’s continuous increase in internally generated revenue. “Despite the difficult working conditions and poor welfare situation, staff of the FCT-IRS have remained committed and highly productive in the discharge of their duties,” the source said. “Year after year, the Service has consistently surpassed its revenue targets through the dedication, sacrifice and resilience of staff members across all departments and tax offices.” According to the staff members, the agency generated over ₦262 billion in internally generated revenue in 2024, surpassing its annual target by about ₦12 billion. They further stated that the strong performance continued in 2025, with the Service reportedly generating approximately ₦43.8 billion in January 2025 alone and over ₦360 billion by the end of the year. The workers lamented that despite the agency’s strong financial performance, employees continue to face poor remuneration and welfare neglect. “It is therefore deeply disheartening that while staff continue to deliver outstanding results and exceed expectations, their welfare and remuneration remain neglected,” another worker said. “Workers who contribute directly to the financial growth and sustainability of the Service continue to face stagnated salaries, delayed promotions, inadequate welfare packages and exclusion from Federal Government-approved remuneration improvements.” The aggrieved workers also questioned why staff welfare had remained poor despite the Service reportedly operating with a cost of collection of approximately five percent. “Furthermore, despite operating with a cost of collection of approximately 5%, staff welfare has not reflected the Service’s strong financial performance and efficiency in revenue generation,” one source explained. “The continued neglect of workers amid increasing revenue achievements has further fueled frustration, low morale and the ongoing agitation among concerned staff.” The workers accused Ango of repeatedly excluding FCT-IRS staff from salary and welfare adjustments approved by the Federal Government for public servants. “It is important to state that whenever the Federal Government has approved improvements in the remuneration and welfare of civil servants, staff of FCT-IRS have consistently been excluded or informed that such benefits do not apply to them,” a worker alleged. According to another aggrieved employee, several salary adjustments approved under former President Muhammadu Buhari and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu were never implemented for FCT-IRS workers. “Over the years, several salary and welfare adjustments approved for public servants by the Federal Government have not been implemented within the Service,” the worker said. “These include the 40% peculiar allowance increase approved during the administration of late President Muhammadu Buhari, the subsequent 25% salary adjustment introduced under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the recent national minimum wage increase, as well as various approved increases in allowances and staff benefits across the Civil Service.” The source added that workers have become increasingly demoralised as they continue to battle inflation and economic hardship without benefiting from government-approved welfare packages. “Despite being public servants who contribute significantly to the revenue generation and development of the Federal Capital Territory, staff of FCT-IRS have repeatedly been denied the benefit of these government-approved improvements in remuneration,” the source said. “Staff are routinely informed that such approvals do not apply to the Service, thereby leaving workers economically disadvantaged and increasingly demoralized amid rising inflation and severe economic hardship.” The workers also accused Ango and the management of suppressing employees’ constitutional rights to unionise and collectively bargain. According to them, attempts by staff members to establish a credible labour union were repeatedly frustrated through delays and interference. “Although a union was eventually inaugurated on May 4, the process lacked credibility and independence, as the leadership was largely handpicked and influenced by management,” one of the workers alleged. “This development has further deepened the distrust and dissatisfaction among staff, as the inaugurated union leadership is widely perceived as compromised and incapable of genuinely representing the interests and welfare of workers.” The aggrieved employees said they had continued to peacefully demand accountability, improved welfare, respect for labour rights and an independent workers’ representation structure. However, they accused Ango of responding with intimidation, harassment and victimisation. “Sadly, rather than address these legitimate concerns constructively, Ango has resorted to intimidation, harassment, threats and victimization of staff members who are exercising their constitutional rights to peaceful association and expression,” a source said. “Several staff members involved in the ongoing agitation have reportedly been issued queries and subjected to undue pressure simply for participating in lawful advocacy concerning their welfare and working conditions.” The workers further stated that the atmosphere within the agency has become increasingly toxic, with many employees allegedly living in fear and emotional distress. “The work environment within the Service has increasingly become hostile and toxic, with many staff living under fear, uncertainty and emotional distress,” one worker stated. “The continued use of intimidation tactics against workers seeking justice and fairness is unacceptable in any democratic society and stands contrary to established labour laws and international best practices.” The employees also raised concerns over the influence of seconded staff within the Service, accusing them of interfering in the agency’s administrative structure and internal operations. “We also wish to draw public attention to the growing concerns surrounding the excessive influence of secondment staff within the Service, many of whom occupy sensitive positions and interfere with the administrative structure and internal operations of the organization,” a source alleged. “Their actions have contributed significantly to tension, workplace division, poor morale and the erosion of professionalism within the Service.” The concerned workers announced plans to commence a peaceful picketing exercise at the FCT-IRS headquarters from (yesterday) Wednesday, May 13, to Friday, May 15, 2026, to draw attention to their grievances and demand intervention from relevant authorities. “In light of these developments, concerned staff of the Service have resolved to commence a peaceful picketing exercise at the FCT-IRS Headquarters from Wednesday, 13th May to Friday, 15th May 2026,” the workers said. “This peaceful action is intended to draw public attention to the plight of workers and demand urgent intervention from relevant authorities and stakeholders.” The staff warned that an indefinite strike action would follow if management fails to address their demands after the picketing exercise. According to the workers, their demands include the immediate release and implementation of promotion results, a 300 percent salary increment, improved welfare and working conditions, upgraded healthcare and HMO packages, respect for workers’ constitutional rights, an end to intimidation and victimisation, and the disengagement of secondment staff within the Service. The workers insisted that their planned actions remain lawful and peaceful. “We wish to emphasize that the planned picketing and subsequent actions are peaceful, lawful, and within the constitutional rights of workers under Nigerian labour laws and international conventions protecting freedom of association and peaceful assembly,” they added.