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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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SANKARA NIGERIA LIMITED PARTNERS LOVOL TO EMPOWER AFRICAN YOUTHS THROUGH MECHANIZATION TRAINING IN KADUNA

Published

1 day ago

April 17, 2026

Becky Hassan

In a bold step toward tackling youth unemployment and advancing agricultural mechanization in Nigeria and across Africa, Sankara Nigeria Limited, in partnership with LOVOL, has successfully launched an intensive training programme aimed at equipping young people with modern mechanical and technical skills.
The initiative, which focuses on contemporary mechanized systems and agricultural equipment maintenance, is designed to build a new generation of skilled technicians capable of driving Africa’s agricultural transformation. The programme provides hands-on training in modern mechanical practices, particularly in the operation, servicing, and maintenance of advanced farming machinery.
Speaking on the development, Dr. Nafiu Danladi Sankara described the opportunity as both impactful and timely, noting that the programme represents a strategic investment in human capital development. According to him, the collaboration between Sankara Nigeria Limited and LOVOL underscores a shared commitment to empowering African youths with practical knowledge that fosters self-reliance and reduces dependence on white-collar employment.
He emphasized that the training is not limited to Nigeria alone but extends across Africa, reflecting a broader vision to create a continent-wide network of competent technicians who can support the growing demand for mechanized farming solutions.
“This initiative is about more than training; it is about creating opportunities, restoring dignity to labour, and building a future where young people can stand on their own through acquired skills,” he stated.
The technical workshop, which drew participants from different parts of the region, was held in Kaduna State, specifically in Zaria, at Unguwa Kaya Junction, New Jos Road, KM 2.
Participants in the programme expressed appreciation for the quality of training and the exposure to modern equipment, noting that such initiatives are critical in bridging the skills gap in the agricultural and mechanical sectors.
The programme also received warm support from the host community in Zaria, located in the historic Zazzau Emirate, where participants were welcomed with remarkable hospitality. Organizers and trainees alike commended the people of Zaria for their generosity and encouraging reception, which contributed to the overall success of the exercise.
As Nigeria continues to seek sustainable solutions to unemployment and food security challenges, initiatives like this stand as a testament to the role of private sector collaboration in national development. By equipping young people with relevant, market-driven skills, Sankara Nigeria Limited and LOVOL are not only transforming lives but also laying a solid foundation for economic growth and agricultural modernization across the continent.

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NNPCL Must Account for N210trn by April 29 – Senate

Published

2 days ago

April 17, 2026

Our Reporter

…Orders Ojulari-led management to produce Kyari, others before committee

From Taiye Hassan
The Senate, on Wednesday, through its Committee on Public Accounts, fixed April 29, 2026, as the deadline for the management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to appear before it and account for the alleged N210 trillion flagged in audit reports covering 2017 to 2023.
The committee directed the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of NNPCL, Engineer Bayo Ojulari, to appear alongside the immediate past GCEO, Mele Kyari; former Chief Financial Officer, Umar Ajia; Dr. Bala Wunti; and the company’s external auditors on the scheduled date without fail.
The resolution followed a motion moved by Senator Osita Izunaso (Imo West) and seconded by Senator Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North).
Chairman of the committee, Senator Aliyu Wadada (Nasarawa West), stressed that the N210 trillion in question, as contained in the audit reports, must be fully accounted for by the company’s management, particularly the immediate past leadership led by Kyari.
According to him, the responses so far provided by NNPCL to the 19 audit queries were unsatisfactory, noting that Nigerians deserve clear, detailed, and transparent explanations.
“This committee, and by extension the Senate, is not satisfied with the blanket explanation given by NNPCL on the N103 trillion it claimed represents liabilities. Liabilities comprise components such as retention fees, legal fees, and audit fees, and the specific amounts spent on each must be clearly stated and justified,” he said.
Wadada also demanded a detailed breakdown of the N107 trillion which the company claimed was expended on Joint Venture (JV) cash calls, as well as funds allegedly owed by some defunct banks whose identities were not disclosed.
“Consequently, it is hereby resolved that NNPCL is given an additional two weeks to appear before this committee unfailingly. The deadline for compliance is Wednesday, April 29, 2026,” he added.
Earlier, a member of the committee, Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central), called for the invocation of the National Assembly’s powers to compel the appearance of NNPCL management, citing repeated failures to honour invitations.
“We must treat this matter with the utmost seriousness. The essence of democracy rests significantly on the strength and authority of the legislature. Unfortunately, in recent times, there appears to be a growing reluctance by individuals to honour invitations from the National Assembly, leaving members feeling helpless in compelling appearances before committees,” he said.

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APC Group To Kwara Political Actors: Shun Violence, Hate Speech

Published

2 days ago

April 17, 2026

Our Reporter

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

A frontline political group in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State have charged political actors across the 16 local government areas of the State to shun violence, rancour and hate speech before, during and after the 2027 general elections.

The APC group, under the aegis of the Asa Progressive Movement (APM), has, therefore, sued for peaceful, issue-based campaigns, devoid of acrimony and name-calling, ahead of the elections.

The Movement made this call in Afon, headquarters of the Asa local government at the endorsement programme of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for second term, as well as the governorship ambition of former Kwara State APC Chairman, Hon. Bashir Omolaja Bolarinwa.

In a communique signed by the APM Coordinator and the Secretary, Engineer Daud Oladipupo Babatunde and Comrade Yusuf Mutiu Akorede respectively, the Movement said: “We are committed to a peaceful, issue-based campaign and we, therefore, urge all political actors to shun violence, hate speech, and any conduct capable of heating up the polity.

“We call on all well-meaning sons and daughters of Kwara State, regardless of party affiliation, to join this movement for the restoration and advancement of our dear State.

“The 2027 election is about the future of our children and we must rise above petty sentiments.

“We pass a vote of confidence in Hon. Bashir Omolaja Bolarinwa and in the leadership of our great party, the APC, for presenting to the people a competent, credible, and compassionate candidate.

“All structures of the Movement, from the State to the polling unit levels, are hereby directed to commence immediate and intensive mobilisation for the reelection of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the candidature of Hon. Bashir Omolaja Bolarinwa. Every member is now an ambassador of these two projects.”

The communique reads further: “Our decision is predicated on Hon. Bolarinwa’s proven track record of service as former Councillor, former Council Chairman, former member of the Federal House of Representatives, former State Chairman of the party, who led the party to 100 percent victory in the 2019 elections, and former Board Chairman of the NBC; his desire to tackle the lingering problems of insecurity, youth unemployment, and agricultural revival; and his integrity, accessibility, and capacity to unite the diverse peoples of the State.

“The APM unanimously endorses Tinubu for second term and Bolarinwa as our preferred candidate for the office of Governor in the 2027 general elections under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).”