Senate Probes Recruitment Bias in Public Service
The Nigerian Senate has launched an investigation into allegations of favoritism in recruitment, appointments, and promotions within key government agencies, including the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), National Pension Commission (PENCOM) and Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC).
The probe follows concerns raised over the violation of the Federal Character Principle, which mandates fair representation in federal institutions. Senator Osita Ngwu, who sponsored the motion, emphasized that systemic abuse of the principle has led to marginalization and inefficiency in public service.
Read also: Nwebonyi and Ezekwesili Clash Over Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Petition
“The Federal Character Principle, entrenched in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), mandates fair representation in federal appointments to reflect the linguistic, ethnic, religious and geographic diversity of the nation,” Ngwu stated.
The Senate has directed its Committee on Federal Character and Inter-Governmental Affairs to conduct a full investigation and report back within four weeks.
