The Federal Government has directed all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to publicly advertise recruitment exercises involving more than 125 vacancies in at least two national newspapers and on official websites for a minimum period of six weeks.
Follow us on Google News
The directive was issued through the Federal Character Commission (FCC), which also warned that any agency that fails to follow approved recruitment procedures or violates the Federal Character Principle could face prosecution and other legal sanctions.
According to the Commission, the new measures are aimed at improving transparency, fairness and equal representation in federal recruitment across all states and geopolitical zones.
Executive Chairman of the FCC, Hon. Hulayat Omidiran, said the government would no longer tolerate recruitment practices that undermine national balance in the 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,” she said during a press briefing on new recruitment reforms.
The Commission explained that recruitment advertisements for vacancies above 125 positions must now appear in two national newspapers and also be published on the official website of the recruiting agency for at least six weeks before the exercise can proceed.
The FCC said the decision was necessary to ensure that qualified Nigerians from all parts of the country have equal access to information about federal job opportunities.
Under the new arrangement, MDAs are also expected to notify the FCC at least two weeks before publishing any recruitment advertisement.
The Commission further directed that representatives of the FCC must be invited to monitor recruitment interviews and related processes to ensure compliance with federal guidelines.
In addition, the FCC said all recruitment records must be submitted for review before a Certificate of Compliance can be issued.
The required documents include copies of recruitment advertisements, shortlist of candidates, interview reports and final lists of successful applicants arranged according to states of origin.
The Commission also warned agencies against charging applicants recruitment or processing fees.
It stated that no Nigerian seeking federal employment should be made to pay money during the recruitment process, adding that such practices violate public service rules.
The FCC equally cautioned MDAs against outsourcing recruitment exercises to private consulting firms outside approved government institutions.
According to the Commission, recruitment into the federal public service must remain under proper government supervision to prevent abuse and manipulation.
“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 stated.
The Commission noted that the Federal Character Principle remains an important part of Nigeria’s constitutional framework designed to promote fairness and inclusiveness in appointments into federal institutions.
The FCC said the latest directive would help address complaints about secret recruitments, uneven representation and lack of transparency in some federal agencies.
In recent years, concerns have continued to grow over allegations that some MDAs conduct recruitment exercises without adequate public notice or fail to reflect federal character requirements in their employment processes.
With the new enforcement measures, the Federal Government is seeking to strengthen public confidence in federal recruitment and ensure that employment opportunities are openly advertised and accessible to Nigerians across the country.
The Commission added that any agency or official found violating the guidelines could face prosecution under the FCC Establishment Act.
The FCC said compliance with the directive takes immediate effect for all federal recruitment exercises moving forward.
