16th February, 2024
By Taiwo Okanlawon
The Union Chairman of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) Unit, Comrade Lekwot Thomas Friday, has stated that the Service is the ‘machine’ that drives the Nigerian economy.
He made this statement on Friday, the 9th of February, during the annual congress organized by the Union in Jos, the Plateau State Capital.
“FIRS is the machine of this country. Without FIRS, I don’t think this country will survive,” Mr Lekwot said as he fielded questions from journalists.
Boasting of the revenue generated by the Service in 2023, Mr Lekwot added that it could not have been done without the collective effort of the staff of the Service.
He encouraged the staff of the FIRS to remain professional in discharging their duties, which would, in turn, lead to improved benefits and general welfare.
“We should sit up and perform better than even last year,” he said.
When asked why this year’s congress was organized, he said, “The target for this conference and seminar is to bring together all our members. It is also to deliberate on issues that (will) improve our welfare as staff.”
Adding to why the congress was themed “Promoting Confidentiality and Adherence to Work Ethics in a Harmonious Work Environment,” Mr Lekwot said, “We need to coach our members on how to keep some information intact.”
In his address, the Executive Chairman of the Plateau State Internal Revenue Service, Mr Jim Pam Wayas, praised the Union for bringing this year’s congress to Jos.
Having worked with FIRS for over a decade, he acknowledged the Service’s high level of professionalism, something he said he would replicate in Plateau State.
Citing the loopholes and unprofessionalism he has had to face in his capacity as the Executive Chairman of the state’s revenue Service, Mr Wayas said, “You don’t know what you have until you lose it,” adding that “You will never appreciate what you are doing at FIRS probably until you have worked somewhere else. FIRS is truly a professional environment.”
In his remarks, the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Mr. Caleb Mutfwang, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Establishment and Labour Relations, Mrs Patience Donjur, stated that the government recognizes the Union as a strategic partner in the State’s development.
“Having keenly observed and followed the services rendered by the members of this Union in the State, viz a viz its strong membership, blessed with seasoned administrators, highly experienced and proactive comrades, that cut across the entire civil service, government considers this Union among other Unions as strategic allies in the development of the state,” he said.
Mr Mutfwang assured cooperation between his government and the Service.
Also in attendance were the National President of the ASCSN, represented by the Deputy Secretary-General of the Association, Mr Isaac Ojemhenke, and the former President of ASCSN and TUC President, Mr Boboi Kaigama.
The Executive Chairman of FIRS, Mr Zacch Adedeji, through the Union, promised an improved welfare package for staff during his administration.