FCC Demands Suspension of Customs Recruitment Over Federal Character Breach

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Federal Character Commission (FCC) has called for the immediate suspension of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) recruitment exercise over alleged violations of federal character principles.

The Chairman of the FCC’s Financial Services Committee, Mr Abdulwasiu Bawa-Allah, made the call during a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, saying the allegations surrounding the exercise required a thorough investigation.

Mr Bawa-Allah said the commission, which is constitutionally mandated to enforce federal character principles, was not invited to monitor the recruitment process.

He also expressed concern over the exclusion of hundreds of candidates whose names appeared in the published final results and who had completed screening, documentation and medical examinations but were not invited for training.

The FCC chairman further alleged that the commission’s attempts to engage the Customs Service over the matter had been treated with disdain.

The federal character principle is enshrined in Section 14(3) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, to promote national unity and prevent the domination of federal institutions by people from a few states or ethnic groups.

It requires the composition of the federal government and its agencies to reflect Nigeria’s diversity, ensuring equitable representation across the country.

The FCC is mandated to monitor and enforce compliance with the principle, particularly in public-sector appointments and recruitment. Its role is to ensure that employment opportunities in federal institutions are distributed fairly across states and groups, while recruitment processes uphold the requirements of merit and competence.