From Musa Muhammad Kutama, Calabar
Dr Edwin Okon, Executive Chairman of the Cross River Internal Revenue Service (IRS), has urged workers to embrace insurance schemes for financial security and family protection.
Okon made the call on Friday in Calabar during the presentation of a N1.4 million group life insurance benefit to the family of a deceased ad hoc staff member, Mr Charles Ugbe.
The chairman described the initiative as the first of its kind in the service, introduced to support ad hoc workers who contribute significantly to revenue generation.
According to him, “Ad hoc staff make up between 60 and 70 per cent of the agency’s workforce and deserve better welfare packages.
“The service introduced group life and health insurance schemes to ensure workers have access to medical care and financial support during emergencies,” he said.
He disclosed that the salaries of ad hoc staff had been increased from N30,000 to N50,000, alongside mid-month transport bonuses to cushion the effects of economic hardship.
He noted that the improved welfare package had boosted staff morale and contributed to the state’s revenue growth from N22 billion to N57 billion.
The chairman also said the insurance policy would reduce the financial burden on families of deceased workers and discourage corrupt practices among staff.
“I urge workers to invest in insurance and savings schemes capable of securing their children’s education and future needs,” he emphasised.
Okon used the opportunity to commend Gov. Bassey Otu for supporting innovative reforms aimed at improving workers’ welfare and strengthening the revenue service.
On his part, Mr Orok Okon, Cross River Head of Service (HoS), praised the IRS chairman for introducing welfare schemes for ad hoc staff within the agency.
Represented by Mrs Lucy Enakirerhi, Permanent Secretary, Career Management Office, Office of the HoS, Okon said the initiative would encourage commitment and strengthen workers’ sense of belonging in the public service.
Similarly, Dr Bong Duke, Vice Chairman of the Cross River Planning Commission, represented by Mr Kingsley Eyibio, Permanent Secretary in the commission, described the initiative as timely and beneficial to workers.
He urged civil servants to embrace long-term insurance and investment plans for future financial stability.
Reacting to the gesture, the wife of the deceased, Mrs Monica Ugbe, who was visibly emotional, thanked the IRS chairman and said she would use the resources judiciously.
