The Federal Character Commission (FCC) has declared that it will not tolerate job racketeering in public service recruitment, reaffirming its commitment to transparency and fairness in the process.
The Executive Chairman of the commission, Mrs. HulayatMotunrayo Omidiran, gave the assurance during a general staff meeting held at the FCC headquarters in Abuja.
The meeting, described as the first of its kind in many years, brought together employees across all cadres alongside commissioners representing various states.
Mrs. Omidiran said safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria’s recruitment system remains central to the commission’s constitutional mandate, warning that individuals involved in illegal recruitment practices would face sanctions.
“The Federal Character Commission was established to guarantee fairness, equity, and justice in public service recruitment. Anyone involved in job racketeering is undermining the law and betraying the trust of Nigerians,” she said.
To strengthen transparency and accountability, the FCC chairman announced the introduction of whistle-blowing lines that will enable staff members and the public to report suspected cases of recruitment fraud.
“We are introducing a whistle-blowing number through which Nigerians and staff can safely report anyone involved in recruitment racketeering. The commission will treat such reports seriously because integrity must remain the foundation of our work,” she added.
Mrs. Omidiran also assured employees that improving staff welfare would remain a key priority of her administration.
“Our staff are the backbone of this commission. I understand the challenges many of you face, and I want to assure you that your welfare will receive the attention it deserves. A motivated workforce is essential if we are to deliver effectively on our national mandate,” she said.
She described the meeting as an important step towards strengthening communication between management and staff.
“This is the first time in many years that a general staff meeting is bringing together everyone, regardless of cadre. It is important that we create platforms where we can listen to one another and move forward together as one commission,” she added.
Speaking on behalf of the staff, Mr. Ameh Benson commended the executive chairman for prioritising workers’ welfare since assuming office in January 2026.
“Since the chairman came on board in January, staff members have seen clear signs that their welfare truly matters. Her leadership has brought renewed hope and confidence within the commission,” he said.
Mr. Benson also highlighted recent steps taken to improve staff development and working conditions, including digital capacity training organised in partnership with the National Information Technology Development Agency.
He added that the commission had also resolved a long-standing water supply challenge at its headquarters through the provision of a new borehole.
The FCC urged members of the public and staff to report suspicious recruitment activities through the whistle-blowing lines: +234 915 763 8393 and +234 913 861 0089.
