BREAKING NEWS: NIGERIA’S SENATE ORDERS PROBE INTO HIRING BIAS ACROSS GOVERNMENT MINISTRIES AND AGENCIES

NIGERIA’S SENATE ORDERS PROBE INTO HIRING BIAS ACROSS GOVERNMENT MINISTRIES AND AGENCIES

The Nigerian Senate has launched a comprehensive investigation into allegations of recruitment bias across federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), aiming to ensure adherence to constitutional provisions on fair representation.

The probe, approved on Tuesday, targets key agencies, including the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

At the heart of the investigation are Sections 14(3) and 14(4) of the 1999 Constitution, which mandate equitable distribution of federal appointments to reflect Nigeria’s ethnic, linguistic, and regional diversity. The motion, sponsored by Senator Osita Ngwu (Enugu West), highlights systemic failures that have led to an imbalance in public sector employment. Titled "Urgent Need to Address Systemic Abuse and Ineffective Implementation of the Federal Character Principle," the motion accuses several MDAs of prioritizing seniority over merit and limiting career advancement opportunities outside government service.

Ngwu’s motion specifically named agencies such as the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), the National Pension Commission (PENCOM), and the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), along with academic institutions like the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA), for allegedly bypassing hiring regulations. The Senate argues that these violations are not isolated incidents but part of a broader pattern of neglect that has marginalized certain regions. According to federal character guidelines, each state should contribute 2.75% of the national workforce, with the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) allocated 1%.

During deliberations, senators highlighted deeper structural issues. While the quota system was designed to promote inclusivity, it has sparked tensions between merit-based hiring and regional equity, often affecting morale and efficiency within the public sector. The Federal Character Commission (FCC), the agency responsible for enforcing these rules, has been weakened by chronic underfunding and political interference, rendering it largely ineffective.

Presiding over the session, Senate President Godswill Akpabio approved the investigation. The Senate Committee on Federal Character and Inter-Governmental Affairs, chaired by Senator Allwell Onyesoh (Rivers East), has been tasked with examining hiring practices across MDAs and presenting its findings within three months. In a last-minute amendment, Senator Victor Umeh (Anambra Central) successfully expanded the probe to include government infrastructure projects, ensuring that federal development efforts are also equitably distributed.

The Senate warns that unchecked recruitment bias could erode public trust in government institutions, violating not only the Constitution but also laws such as the 2011 Freedom of Information Act. In a nation of over 200 million people, where national unity is often fragile, this investigation could determine whether Nigeria’s diversity is strengthened or further fractured.