FCC Moves to Sanction MDAs Over Illegal Recruitment Practices
Oru Leonard
The Federal Character Commission has warned heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) that any breach of approved recruitment procedures or violation of the Federal Character Principle will attract prosecution and other legal sanctions.
The warning was issued by the Executive Chairman of the Commission, Hulayat Omidiran, during a press briefing in Abuja on new recruitment reforms for the Federal Public Service.
According to the Commission, MDAs that fail to comply with constitutional recruitment guidelines risk sanctions under the Federal Character Commission Establishment Act, which empowers the FCC to prosecute heads or officials of agencies found guilty of non-compliance.
Omidiran said the Commission would no longer tolerate irregular recruitment practices that undermine fairness, equity, 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,” she stated.
The FCC explained that the new measures are designed to promote transparency, accountability, fairness, and equitable representation of all states and geopolitical zones in federal employment.
Under 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 of six weeks.
The Commission also directed MDAs to notify the FCC at least two weeks before advertising vacancies and to invite the Commission to monitor recruitment interviews.
Omidiran stressed that transparency in public service recruitment was non-negotiable, adding that the Commission was determined to ensure strict compliance with established regulations.
The FCC further mandated all MDAs to submit recruitment records, including advertisements, shortlisted candidates, interview reports, and lists of successful candidates by state of origin, for review before a Certificate of Compliance can be issued.
The Commission also warned against charging applicants recruitment or processing fees and cautioned MDAs against outsourcing recruitment exercises to private consulting firms outside approved government institutions.
Reaffirming the Commission’s commitment, Omidiran said the FCC would continue to enforce compliance with the Federal Character Principle to guarantee equal opportunities for all Nigerians in federal recruitment processes.
