- ICPC probing agency accused of allocating 189 jobs to one zone, violating federal character within two years.
- Joint task force to monitor recruitment, investigate breaches and prevent backdoor appointments across MDAs nationwide.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Federal Character Commission are set to launch a joint task force to combat job racketeering and related abuses.
The plan was disclosed during a courtesy visit by the chairman of the ICPC, Dr Musa Adamu Aliyu, to the FCC headquarters in Abuja.
The visit was aimed at formalising a partnership between the two bodies to promote fair job distribution across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones.
Aliyu described the FCC as a key constitutional institution that ensures balanced representation in public service.
He said the collaboration would protect the rights and future of young Nigerians exploited by illegal recruitment schemes.
He said, “This partnership is about more than just enforcement; it is about protecting the rights and future of our young citizens, many of whom are victims of illegal recruitment schemes.”
He said the ICPC was currently investigating multiple cases of job racketeering across public agencies.
He expressed concern that the recruitment process was being manipulated for selfish gains at the expense of Nigerian youths.
“This not only violates due process and equity but also crushes hope and trust in our institutions,” he said.
He cited a case in which a federal agency allegedly allocated 189 jobs to a single zone in two years.
He described it as a clear abuse of the federal character principle and a threat to equitable governance.
Aliyu said both commissions must work together to ensure merit, fairness and transparency in public recruitment.
He proposed the creation of a joint technical task force to monitor recruitment in MDAs and investigate violations of federal character guidelines.
He said the task force would also advise on reforms to eliminate backdoor hiring and job favouritism.
“The goal is to fashion out sustainable solutions to the criminality associated with public sector job distribution, such as scams, favouritism, and abuse of office,” he added.
He said a draft memorandum of understanding to guide the partnership was in progress and would be finalised within two weeks.
He said the joint team would begin work immediately after the MoU is signed.
He referenced Articles 5 and 36 of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption to justify the partnership.
He said, “This joint effort can serve as a national model where equity and integrity work hand-in-hand to rebuild public confidence in governance.”
In his remarks, the acting chairman of the FCC, Hon Kayode Oladele, praised the ICPC chairman for initiating the partnership.
He described it as the first major step toward reviewing the fairness of public sector recruitment under the federal character principle.
Oladele said the FCC’s mandate covers not only employment but also equitable distribution of amenities and infrastructure.
He assured the ICPC of the commission’s full support in executing the joint task force’s goals.
“We are pleased with this initiative and fully committed to supporting it to ensure justice, equity, and national unity are truly upheld,” he said.
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