ICPC, FCC Launch Joint Task Force to Combat Job Racketeering in Nigeria’s Public Sector
By Usman A Harande
ICPC, FCC Join Forces to Tackle Job Racketeering in Nigeria’s Public Sector
In a bid to restore integrity and fairness in Nigeria’s public sector recruitment processes, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Federal Character Commission (FCC) are set to launch a joint task force to combat job racketeering and related abuses.
During a recent courtesy visit to the FCC headquarters in Abuja, ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, announced the strategic partnership between the two agencies. The initiative aims to ensure equitable distribution of job opportunities across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones, in line with constitutional and statutory provisions.
Dr. Aliyu revealed that the ICPC is currently investigating multiple cases of job racketeering, including a federal agency that allegedly allocated 189 employment slots to a single zone over two years, blatantly violating the federal character framework. This abuse of power not only undermines merit and justice but also erodes trust in public institutions.
Joint Task Force to Monitor Recruitment Patterns
The proposed joint task force will have a mandate to:
- Monitor recruitment patterns across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs)
- Investigate breaches of the federal character principle
- Prevent backdoor appointments
- Advise on policy reforms that promote job equity and fairness
Dr. Aliyu emphasized that the collaboration between ICPC and FCC serves as a model for coordinated anti-corruption enforcement, citing Articles 5 and 36 of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC). The ICPC Chairman noted that this joint effort can help rebuild public confidence in governance by ensuring equity and integrity in public sector job distribution.
FCC Committed to Supporting the Initiative
Acting Chairman of the FCC, Hon. Kayode Oladele, commended the ICPC Chairman for initiating the partnership, describing it as a pioneering step toward strengthening operational integrity in public recruitment. Hon. Oladele assured the ICPC of the FCC’s full cooperation in implementing the joint task team’s objectives.
A draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is expected to be finalized within two weeks, paving the way for the joint task team to begin work. This development is a significant step towards promoting transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s public sector recruitment processes.
- The ICPC has been actively investigating cases of corruption and abuse of office in various government agencies.
- The FCC plays a crucial role in ensuring inclusive national representation and enforcing the federal character principle.
- This partnership highlights the importance of inter-agency collaboration in combating corruption and promoting good governance.
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