Miriam Onuoha, a member of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, has admitted to handing out federal jobs to her constituents at three government agencies.
The agencies she listed include the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC) and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).
Onuoha made this known on Saturday through a post on her X account. Onuoha listed the appointments as part of her performance in office. She currently chairs the House Committee on TETFund and Other Services, a position that gives her oversight of one of the agencies she mentioned.
The FIRS handles the collection of tax revenues. The NASC manages recruitment and promotions for staff in the National Assembly. TETFund allocates education tax funds to tertiary institutions nationwide.
By law, appointments to federal agencies must follow public service rules. The Nigerian Constitution, in Section 153(1)(d), establishes the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC) as the body responsible for making federal civil service appointments. Section 14(3) of the Constitution also states that recruitment into public institutions must reflect Nigeria’s diversity, in line with the federal character principle.
Recruitment rules require agencies to publicly advertise job openings and conduct open, competitive selection. These requirements are detailed in the Federal Civil Service Rules and FCSC Guidelines.
The NASC Act, which governs staffing at the legislature, also outlines procedures for transparency and federal character compliance. Although TETFund is not a core civil service agency, it operates under the TETFund Act of 2011, which requires appointments to follow public service standards.
Laws regulating public officers also prohibit actions like Onuoha’s. The Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act, backed by the Fifth Schedule (Part I) of the 1999 Constitution, states that public officers must not use their position to benefit relatives or associates. The law warns against using public office to give an unfair advantage.
The Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000 also criminalises the use of official position to grant favours or appointments outside due process. Section 19 of the Act says any public officer who uses their office to “confer any corrupt or unfair advantage” commits an offence.
Onuoha did not say how many people got jobs through her intervention or whether the recruitments followed formal procedures. The agencies she mentioned have not commented on her statement.
Although lawmakers often argue that securing jobs for their constituents is part of representation, the law does not assign them any role in hiring federal workers. They are expected to respect all recruitment rules.
Meanwhile, in April, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) stated that its recruitment exercise was a transparent and merit-based process. In a statement signed by Collins Omokaro, special adviser to the FIRS chairman on communication and advocacy, the agency said:
“The ongoing recruitment exercise is more than just hiring new employees; it is a strategic effort to reshape the future of FIRS. This initiative seeks to attract and retain top talent, improve operational efficiency, create sustainable career growth opportunities, and reduce dependence on external consultants.
“Certainly, by hiring skilled professionals across various departments, FIRS will ensure its workforce remains competitive and future-ready.
“A transparent and merit-based recruitment process is being overseen by key leadership, including the Chief of Staff, the Coordinating Director of the People Services Group, Special Adviser on Human Capital Management and the Staff Union Chairman, ensuring that only the most qualified candidates are selected.”
The agency’s claim of fairness contrasts the public admissions by several lawmakers, including Miriam Onuoha, who say they have facilitated job placements in FIRS and other federal bodies.
Other lawmakers have made similar claims in recent times.
In March 2024, Ken Eze, a senator representing Ebonyi Central, told ThisDay that he helped 40 graduates from his district secure jobs in agencies like the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA), National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) and the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON). All these bodies are under ministries and departments controlled by the FCSC.
Post a Comment