In a sudden administrative move, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has terminated the appointment of Michael Ango as the acting chairman of the FCT Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS).
Immediate Handover Ordered
The development was officially confirmed in a statement issued on Friday, December 5, 2025, by Lere Olayinka, the Senior Special Assistant to the minister on public communication and social media. The statement directed that the most senior official within the FCT-IRS should immediately assume control of the agency's operations.
Notably, the statement from the minister's office did not provide any specific reasons for Ango's removal. This lack of explanation has left room for speculation among observers and stakeholders regarding the circumstances behind the decision.
A Sudden Reversal After Recent Praise
The dismissal comes just a month after staff of the revenue agency organized a special event to honour Ango. The gathering, titled "A Night with Ango," was held to celebrate his leadership, commitment to staff development, and his efforts towards driving transparency and transformation within the FCT-IRS.
Ango's appointment as acting chairman was made by President Bola Tinubu in August 2024. At the time of his appointment, the president highlighted Ango's professional credentials, describing him as an individual with a wealth of experience and a proven track record in revenue administration, financial management, and organisational leadership.
Questions on Future Direction
This unexpected change in leadership has sparked questions about the future strategic direction of the FCT's primary revenue collection body. Stakeholders are keenly watching to see how the transition will affect the agency's operations and its ongoing transformation initiatives.
The development occurs against the backdrop of other recent appointments by Minister Wike. Earlier in the week, on Wednesday, December 3, he appointed Mukhtar Usman Galadima as his Senior Special Assistant on Development Control and Planning. Galadima was described as a seasoned town planner with over three decades of experience within the FCTA.
The swift removal of Ango, following so closely on the heels of his public commendation by staff, underscores the dynamic and sometimes unpredictable nature of administrative changes within the FCT administration under the current leadership.
