FCC threatens sanctions against MDAs over illegal recruitment

The Federal Character Commission has warned that heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies that violate approved recruitment procedures or breach the Federal Character Principle risk prosecution and other legal sanctions.

The commission added that any MDA that fails to comply with constitutional recruitment guidelines will face sanctions under the Federal Character Commission Establishment Act, which empowers the agency to prosecute officials found guilty of non-compliance.

A statement by the spokesman for the commission, Ademola Lawrence, on Tuesday said the Executive Chairman of the FCC, Hajiya Ayo Omidiran, issued the warning during a press briefing on new recruitment reforms for the federal public service.

“We will no longer tolerate irregular recruitment practices that undermine fairness and national balance in the public service. All federal institutions must adhere strictly to the provisions of the Federal Character Principle as enshrined in the Constitution,” Omidiran said.

The FCC said the new measures were introduced to promote fairness, transparency, accountability, and equitable representation of all states and geopolitical zones in federal employment.

Under the new directive, recruitment exercises involving more than 125 vacancies must be advertised in at least two national newspapers and on the commission’s official website for a minimum of six weeks.

“As part of the new directives, recruitment exercises involving more than 125 vacancies must be advertised in at least two national newspapers and on the commission’s official website for a minimum period of six weeks,” she said.

She also directed MDAs to notify the FCC at least two weeks before advertising vacancies and to invite the commission to monitor recruitment interviews.

“Transparency in the recruitment process is non-negotiable. The commission is determined to ensure that every stage of recruitment is properly monitored and conducted in line with established regulations,” Omidiran added.

The FCC further directed that all recruitment records, including advertisements, shortlisted candidates, interview reports, and lists of successful candidates by state of origin, must be submitted to the commission for review before a Certificate of Compliance can be issued.

The commission also maintained that no applicant should be charged recruitment or processing fees and warned against outsourcing public service recruitment to private consulting firms outside approved government institutions.

According to the FCC chairman, the Commission remains committed to enforcing compliance with the Federal Character Principle and ensuring equal opportunity for all Nigerians in federal recruitment processes.