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FIRS: Senate summons Nami over alleged recruitment scandal

Published

6 years ago

August 27, 2020

BARRING any last minute hitch, the chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, Mohammed Nami, would be making an appearance before the Senate Committee on Public Petitions to answer questions bothering the alleged recruitment scandal at the tax agency.

Nami had been accused of favouring his Nupe relatives by appointing them coordinating directors in the Service.

But Nami argued that the retirement of the directors and appointment of new ones did not contravene the Civil Service rules.

It added that their appointments followed due process, and are in line with the extant laws of the service.

Last May, a petition was submitted to the Committee by aggrieved directors who have been up in arms with the management of the service since their “untimely” retirement.

In the petition, the retired directors reaffirmed their position that their retirement was untimely, and happened “in violation of laid down government policies on retirement and recruitment of director cadre staff by any agency of the federal government”.

Unfortunately, the petition has not been attended to “because of the lockdown imposed by COVID-19”, a source at the National Assembly said.

“(But) the petition will soon be attended to by the committee as leaders of the Senate have been asking for it to be brought forward,” the source said.

The Senate would be looking at six issues when it reconvenes from recess.

The first will be whether FIRS, under Nami, truly appointed four contract staff, namely: Ahmed Musa, Mustapha Ndajumo, Ahmed Ndanusa and Abdullahi Ismaila – who are all of Nupe extraction without following due process.

The committee will also be determining how they subsequently became substantive directors of FIRS within a record period of four months.

Tied to the above is the appropriateness of their appointments into an organisation like FIRS with a retinue of qualified staff available to fill the positions they were appointed into.

Also for determination by the Senate committee is whether the provisions of the Human Resources Policies and Procedures, HRPP, was adhered to in the consummation of the contract appointment, and subsequent statutory elevation to the position of directors.

The subsisting policy and regulation on which the directors were allegedly retired by Nami and his recruitment of new staff to replace the retired directors were the issues at stake.

While the retired directors said that Nami relied on an old civil service rule, which had been suspended to remove them, Nami, on the other hand, said his decision to retire the directors and hire new staff to replace them followed a decision taken by the Board of the agency in March 2020.

But the unlawfully retired directors seem to have a solid argument behind their claim on untimely retirement, and are favoured by extant rules, regulations and policy of the federal government, as well as the FIRS internal regulations on staff recruitment.

“A recent appointment of new directors by the Federal Internal Revenue Service was done in violation of public service rules. The tax agency, under its new chairman, Mohammed Nami, recruited four directors in March, but the positions were not advertised as required by federal rules to allow qualified Nigerians to compete. They also violated an internal regulation of the FIRS that would have seen qualified in-house staff take the posts,” a recent online newspaper publication said.

It was learnt that since the retirement and employment of the four new directors, and reassignment of four others initially retired but re-commissioned as consultants have bred bad blood amongst staff of the tax agency.

“There is so much tension and fear amongst staff now, no one can speak his or her mind freely anymore for fear of being labelled anti Nami. Working in FIRS is akin not to working for a Gestapo organisation where everything is done in secrecy and hush hush. It’s like someone is permanently watching and eavesdropping you,” a staff source, who spoke on the grounds of anonymity, said.
The source added that morale and productivity have nose-dived amongst staff.
“Staff now spend their time sitting behind their desk just brooding over the toxic working environment the agency now provides,” the source added.
Nigerian Pilot contacted the director, Communications and Liaison Department, FIRS, Abdullahi Ismaila Ahmad, on the matter, requesting for a copy of the FIRS’ Human Resources Policies and Processes.
Ahmed argued that the retirement of the directors and appointment of new ones did not contravene the Civil Service rules.
He added that their appointments followed due process and are in line with the extant laws of the service.
“It is not true that the retirement of the directors contravened the Civil Service rules. The fact of the matter is that Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, is not a part of the Civil Service, even though it is a public service. It thus operates like its sister organisations NNPC, CBN, CAC, etc. The Act establishing it gives it autonomy to hire and fire.
“Moreover, the eight years terminal period is provided for in the FIRS Human Resources Policies and Processes Section 10.1(a). The retirement of the directors is, therefore, in line with the HRPP of the Service which was approved by the Board. It is also in public interest and to create vacancies for the existing staff who have remained stagnated.
“The four appointed directors are not consultants. Yes, they are contract staff, and as contract staff, they were employed on the strength of the provision of the FIRS HRPP Section 2.22, and their appointments were approved by the Board. Their appointments followed due process and are in line with the extant laws of the Service. It is hoped that this explanation will put the matter to rest for good,” Ahmed responded.

Section 2.22 on Contract Appointment states: (i) Contract appointment shall only be made where the required skills and competence are not available within the Service. (ii) the appointment must be justified by the relevant office/department making the request and subject.

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Kwara celebrates Fela’s legacy with retrospective exhibition

Published

14 hours ago

October 26, 2026

Our Reporter

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The Kwara State Government has celebrated the life and enduring influence of Afrobeat legend, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, with a retrospective exhibition aimed at preserving African cultural heritage and inspiring younger generations.

The exhibition, titled Fela Anikulapo-Kuti: A Retrospective, was opened by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq at the Institute of Contemporary African Art and Film in Ilorin on Monday.

The Governor said the establishment of the institute reflected his administration’s belief that development should extend beyond physical infrastructure to include spaces that promote creativity, knowledge and economic opportunities.

“When we established the Institute of Contemporary African Art & Film, our vision was clear: development must go beyond roads, bridges and buildings to create spaces for creativity, knowledge and opportunity,” AbdulRazaq said.

According to him, cultural infrastructure plays an important role in connecting people to their history, broadening their imagination and encouraging critical thinking.

“Physical infrastructure connects places; cultural infrastructure connects people to their history, expands their imagination and challenges their thinking,” the Governor said.

AbdulRazaq said the institute was established to preserve African stories, nurture talents and showcase the continent’s artists and thinkers to the world,
describing the decision to open the institution with an exhibition dedicated to Fela as significant, given the musician’s contribution to African music, social commentary and cultural expression.

“Fela was more than a musician. Through his music and artistic expression, he challenged conventions and confronted society with questions about power, freedom, identity and justice,” he added.

The Governor added that the late musician’s life demonstrated the capacity of artistic expression to influence public discourse and inspire social change.

The exhibition, curated by June Creative Art Advisory, led by its founder, Mrs Seun Alli, featured photography, archival materials, film, graphic works and other artistic expressions exploring Fela’s life, times and enduring influence.

AbdulRazaq commended the firm for bringing its curatorial expertise and creative vision to the project, while describing the exhibition as an opportunity for different categories of visitors to engage with the musician’s legacy.

He said the exhibition would provide students with learning opportunities beyond the classroom, inspire artists, support researchers and encourage young people to explore the creative industry.

“For students, this is a classroom beyond the classroom; for artists, inspiration; for researchers, an opportunity for deeper inquiry; and for young people, a reminder that creativity offers both self-expression and economic opportunity,” he said.

The Governor clarified that the state government was not claiming ownership of Fela’s story but was providing a platform for younger generations to encounter and learn from his legacy, adding that the state government is optimistic that the institute would promote cultural education, encourage creative enterprise, attract visitors and strengthen Kwara State’s position in Nigeria’s cultural and creative landscape.

According to him, the institution’s success would be measured by the talents it nurtured, the ideas it inspired and the opportunities it created.

“Governments change, but institutions should endure,” the Governor said, expressing the hope that the exhibition would mark the beginning of sustained cultural engagement at the institute.

“May this exhibition begin sustained cultural engagement at ICAAF and inspire our young people to create, question, discover and contribute to society,” he said.

AbdulRazaq added that the initiative reflected his administration’s commitment to building a state where cultural heritage, innovation and economic opportunities complemented one another.

In her address, the Commissioner for Communications, Hon. Bolanle Olukoju, said: “Today’s exhibition offers us an opportunity to revisit the life and works of Fela
Anikulapo-Kuti and appreciate how his music, ideas and artistic expression continue to influence generations.

“For the Ministry of Communications, this occasion speaks to an important part of our
mandate: promoting the stories, talents and creative expressions that shape our identity as a people.”

The Commissioner particularly noted that under Governor AbdulRazaq’s leadership, the State is creating opportunities for young people through investments in sectors such as film, fashion and technology.

She added: “Projects including
the Sugar Film Factory, the Garment Factory and the Ilorin Innovation Hub reflect the administration’s commitment to developing talent and supporting enterprise.

“The Institute of Contemporary African Art & Film, formerly the Ilorin Visual Arts Centre, adds an important dimension to this effort. It provides a platform for artistic expression, cultural learning and creative collaboration.

“We want young Kwarans who are passionate about painting, photography, filmmaking, fashion and design to see ICAAF as a place where they can explore their interests, learn from others and showcase their talents.

“We also encourage students to engage with art and history beyond the classroom. Fela’s story is a fitting subject for this exhibition. It demonstrates how creativity
can go beyond entertainment to shape cultural identity and influence public conversations. There is much for our young people to learn from his artistic journey and enduring impact.

“It might also interest you that kwara state was also part of Fela’s creative showcase during his lifetime.”

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2027: Ilorin West LG Boss Leads APC Mega Rally In Ubandawaki

Published

14 hours ago

October 26, 2026

Our Reporter

•••Says Ward stands with APC

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The Executive Chairman of the Ilorin West Local Government, Mallam Shehu AbdulRahman Babatunde Ladan, has led an All Progressives Congress (APC) mega rally in Ubandawaki Ward, reaffirming the commitment of party members and supporters to the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The rally attracted party leaders, grassroots mobilisers, youths, women, and other stakeholders who gathered to demonstrate their support for the party.

Addressing the gathering, Chairman Ladan declared that Ubandawaki Ward remains committed to the APC and its political leadership, expressing support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, and the APC governorship candidate, Rt. Hon. Engr. Yakubu Danladi-Salihu (SYD), alongside other party candidates for the 2027 general elections.

The Chairman emphasised the importance of unity, peaceful political engagement, and sustained grassroots mobilisation in strengthening the party’s structure ahead of the forthcoming elections, urging party faithful to remain united, engage constructively with residents, and work collectively towards the party’s political objectives.

Ladan also acknowledged the importance of Ubandawaki Ward in the political landscape of Ilorin West, encouraging party leaders and supporters to maintain cordial relationships, promote inclusive participation, and sustain engagement with the electorate. He stressed that a united party structure would help strengthen internal cooperation and effective grassroots coordination.

The mega rally renewed calls for unity, loyalty, and peaceful political participation among APC members and supporters, underscoring commitment by participants to mobilising support for the party’s candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections, while promoting peace, development, and responsible democratic engagement across Ilorin West Local Government Area.

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KW-IRS Staff Threaten Strike Over Alleged Poor Remuneration

Published

6 days ago

October 21, 2026

Our Reporter

Mgt Accuses Union Of Dishing Out False Staff Remuneration Scale

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The staff of the Kwara State Internal Revenue Service (KWIRS) have lamented poor welfare conditions, rising living costs and stagnant salaries they have been subjected to, despite their contributions to the state’s revenue generation.

In a statement issued by the KWIRS chapter of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), the workers lamented that their sacrifice and professionalism, which have helped to place Kwara State among the more self-reliant states in the country, have not been matched with corresponding improvement in their welfare.

The workers questioned the disparity between their contributions to the state’s revenue and their welfare, saying many of them are battling financial hardship.

“We block leakages. We are posted to hospitals and other MDAs to secure government revenue. We work under pressure day and night but we continue to struggle to meet basic needs due to poor salaries.”

The association further expressed concern that personnel costs had remained unchanged for years while other expenditure heads had continued to increase.

It also cited a salary negotiation agreement dated October 11, 2022, which reportedly stated that the adjustment would be implemented “as soon as it can be accommodated in the budget.”

According to the workers, nearly four years after the agreement, there had been no implementation or clear indication of when the adjustment would take effect, despite the rising cost of living.

The staff said expenses on school fees, house rent, transportation and food had increased significantly while their salaries remained unchanged. “We smile outside but the majority of us are bleeding inside. We cannot continue to generate wealth for the state while we wallow in abject poverty,” they declared.

Urging their colleagues to remain united and resolute in pursuing improved welfare, the association said the workers should not expect better conditions without collectively standing up for their interests.

It called on members to remain calm, vigilant and prayerful as a 14-day period beginning October 15, 2026, counts down, without specifying further details in the statement about the expected action at its conclusion.

Reacting to the KW-IRS staff allegations, the Management, while
reaffirm its commitment to professionalism, political neutrality and its statutory mandate, expressed dismay over public speculation on staff remuneration and attempts to politicise unverified internal administrative communications.

“Management is concerned by attempts to exploit unverified internal administrative communications for political purposes, create unnecessary tension and distract the Service from its responsibilities. KWIRS will not be distracted from its mandate by such narratives,” said the Management.

It added: “The isolated salary figures being circulated on social media do not represent the full remuneration structure or total emoluments of KWIRS staff. Staff compensation extends beyond regular monthly salaries and includes the following benefits, in accordance with applicable policies and approved arrangements:

“Annual and Performance-Related Bonuses: Annual, festive, and situational bonuses linked to revenue performance milestones and staff performance and situational economic palliatives are paid periodically to staff members

“Annual Leave Allowance: A separate annual payment in addition to regular monthly remuneration.
Staff Welfare and Operational Support: Structured measures designed to support staff welfare and professional development throughout their careers.

“Accordingly, assessing staff remuneration solely on selectively circulated salary figures presents an incomplete picture of the Service’s compensation and welfare structure.

“Management remains committed to staff welfare, motivation and professional development. The Service will continue to strengthen policies and operational processes that support staff well-being and performance, within government-approved resource allocations and applicable administrative frameworks. The Service remains one of the Government Institutions with the most recruitment requests and this is a testament of Management’s commitment to staff welfare.

“KWIRS urges members of the public, taxpayers and other stakeholders to disregard unverified and misleading narratives, verify information before sharing it, and rely on official Service communications for accurate information about its operations and staff policies.

“All stakeholders are encouraged to refrain from politicising internal administrative matters or spreading claims capable of undermining institutional harmony and public confidence.

“KWIRS remains focused on its statutory responsibilities and committed to mobilising revenue for the economic growth and sustainable development of Kwara State.”