The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has removed the Acting Executive Chairman of the Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS), Mr. Michael Ango, from office. The decision was announced on Friday through a statement issued by the Minister’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication and Social Media, Mr. Lere Olayinka.
The statement also noted that the most senior official within the FCT-IRS has been directed to assume leadership of the agency with immediate effect. This directive effectively places the revenue agency under new management as part of what appears to be an ongoing administrative restructuring within the FCT.
Although the statement did not provide reasons for Mr. Ango’s removal, the development has drawn public attention because of the crucial role of the FCT-IRS in generating revenue for the Abuja administration. The FCT-IRS is responsible for tax administration, revenue mobilization, enforcement, and compliance within the Federal Capital Territory. Because the FCT is not a state and does not have a governor, the minister acts as its chief executive, making tax administration central to the smooth running of the territory.
Since assuming office as FCT Minister in 2023, Nyesom Wike has implemented several reforms across the capital city’s administrative structures. These include changes in leadership in key agencies, reforms in land administration, stricter enforcement of development control, and renewed focus on revenue generation. Many of these actions have been justified as necessary steps to improve efficiency, block leakages, and strengthen public accountability.
Revenue generation has been one of the areas Wike has repeatedly emphasized, saying the FCT must increase its internally generated revenue (IGR) to meet growing infrastructure and administrative demands. Given this context, the removal of the FCT-IRS Acting Chairman may be linked to internal restructuring aimed at boosting performance, although no official reasons were provided.
In his brief announcement, Mr. Olayinka wrote:
“The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory has relieved the Acting Executive Chairman of the Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service, Mr. Michael Ango, of his duties. The most senior official in the agency has been directed to take charge with immediate effect.”
The statement was dated December 5, 2025. No additional details were included, and there was no immediate reaction from Mr. Ango or the management of the FCT-IRS.
The FCT-IRS plays a major role in collecting taxes such as Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE), withholding tax, property tax, and other forms of revenue that fund critical services in the capital city. Efficient revenue collection is essential for road construction, healthcare, education, urban planning, waste management, and other essential services.
When leadership changes occur at an agency responsible for such a central function, it often signals efforts to reposition the institution. Analysts note that the removal of an acting chairman is not unusual, especially when the minister seeks to install new leadership or introduce reforms.
By directing the most senior official to take over, the minister is likely ensuring continuity while planning longer-term decisions on who will eventually head the agency in a substantive capacity.
With this latest decision, the FCT-IRS is expected to continue operations under its most senior official while the minister decides on a new leadership structure. The FCT administration will likely release further updates in the coming days, especially if the change is part of broader adjustments within the revenue sector.