The growing concerns over job racketeering and alleged irregularities in federal recruitment exercises has attracted the attention of the Federal Character Commission, FCC, as it introduced fresh guidelines aimed at restoring transparency, fairness and accountability in recruitment into the Federal Public Service.
Addressing journalists in Abuja, Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission, Hulayat Omidiran, said the new directives are designed to ensure strict compliance with the Federal Character Principle and eliminate abuses in the recruitment process.
Under the new guidelines, all Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs, conducting recruitment exercises involving more than one hundred and twenty-five vacancies must advertise such positions in at least two national newspapers and on the FCC official website for a minimum period of six weeks.
The Commission also directed that MDAs must formally notify the FCC at least two weeks before any advertisement is published.
The FCC further stated that recruitment interviews must be monitored by the Commission, with MDAs required to submit copies of advertisements, longlists and shortlists ahead of the exercise.
It added that no applicant should be charged application or processing fees, while recruitment into the public service must not be outsourced to private consulting firms except approved government institutions.
The Commission warned that any agency that violates the Federal Character Principle or approved recruitment procedures risks sanctions, including legal action against responsible officials.
According to FCC , the reforms are part of efforts to promote equal opportunity, national unity and public confidence in the federal recruitment process.
(Editor: Anoyoyo Ogiagboviogie)
