TDDisengaged staff of the Anambra State Internal Revenue Service (AIRS) have appealed to Governor Chukwuma Soludo to reconsider their dismissal.
The appeal followed a restructuring exercise that involved a competency assessment conducted in partnership with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).
The affected workers argue that the process has raised concerns about due process and the welfare of long-serving personnel impacted by the reform programme.
Background to the Restructuring
The retrenchment followed a strategic tax administration examination designed to strengthen efficiency and professionalism in revenue collection.
An internal memo dated February 18, 2026, signed by Nwalusi Ifeanyi on behalf of the AIRS Chairman and Chief Executive, directed the disengagement of Community Revenue Officers and other staff who failed to meet the required pass mark in the computer-based test.
The memo instructed affected staff to hand over all official materials, including identity cards and work tools, to the Administration and Human Resources Department, with the retrenchment taking immediate effect.
Workers’ Reaction
Some of the disengaged staff, speaking anonymously, appealed to the state government to reconsider, stressing that many had served the agency for years.
They argued that the assessment was the first of its kind for many employees.
They suggested that training and professional development programmes would have been a more supportive approach to achieving reform objectives.
Concerns Over Implementation
The workers questioned the fairness of the process, noting that tax administration reforms across Nigeria emphasize operational autonomy of state revenue agencies.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Chukwuebuka Okeke called for a review of the disengagement exercise to ensure fairness for long-serving employees.
Okeke explained that similar reforms in other states allowed transition periods, enabling staff to acquire professional qualifications while continuing their duties.
Governance Issues Raised
Okeke further alleged that administrative challenges during the tenure of former AIRS Chairman Dr. Greg Ezeilo contributed to the current crisis.
He claimed that Ezeilo appointed Onyeka Amara as Senior Special Assistant on Technical Matters without disclosing that she was his spouse, raising governance concerns.
According to him, departmental heads were sidelined, with operations largely coordinated by the chairman and his aide.
The disengaged workers have therefore urged the government to:
- Review the restructuring exercise and recall affected staff.
- Remove Onyeka Amara, now Director of Direct Tax Assessment, to restore transparency and confidence in the agency.
Official Response
Efforts to reach Dr. Ezeilo and Onyeka Amara for comment were unsuccessful.
However, Commissioner for Finance, Okafor Moses Izuchukwu, confirmed that the assessment was part of the restructuring process.
Izuchukwu noted that affected staff did not meet the required performance threshold during the test and interview stages.
The disengaged AIRS workers are seeking Governor Soludo’s intervention, arguing for fairness, transparency, and a more supportive reform process.
Their appeal highlights the tension between professionalization of revenue services and the welfare of long-serving staff, a balance that remains critical in sustaining institutional reforms.
