The National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN) has exonerated the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) of allegations of bias and irregularities in its 2025 staff promotion exercise.
The Council said the clearance followed an independent investigation into petitions submitted by some aggrieved employees and civil society groups.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, the Executive Director of the Council, Blessing Akinlosotu, said the findings showed that the promotion process was conducted in line with public service regulations and the Commission’s institutional framework.
“Contrary to claims of marginalization, victimization, and breach of the Federal Character Principle, our independent inquiry revealed that the process was fair, transparent, and merit-driven,” Akinlosotu said.
“While there were minor administrative and logistical challenges, no laws were broken, and there was no evidence of deliberate victimization or marginalization of any staff.”
According to Akinlosotu, the Council launched a comprehensive fact-finding mission after receiving petitions alleging unfair treatment, underrepresentation of some regions, and targeted demotions during the 2025 promotion process conducted under the leadership of the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida.
The NCSCN explained that the promotion exercise adhered to an established framework that considered federal character, manpower needs, and available vacancies within the Commission.
It added that some employees who met the pass mark were not promoted due to limited vacancies at certain levels.
Akinlosotu further noted that the examination panels included representatives from all six geopolitical zones and officials from the Federal Character Commission (FCC) to ensure transparency and compliance with service rules.
While acknowledging minor operational lapses such as timing and logistical issues, the Council commended the NCC’s Human Capital Department for taking corrective measures and offering apologies where necessary.
“No human process is perfect,” the Council stated. “What we found were natural institutional limitations, not acts of bias or discrimination.”
In its performance review of the NCC leadership, the NCSCN praised Dr. Maida’s administration for what it described as “impressive strides in accountability, consumer protection, and regulatory innovation.”
The Council also cautioned against the use of civil society or media platforms to escalate internal grievances, describing some of the controversies as the handiwork of “internal saboteurs.”
“We urge all aggrieved staff to seek redress through internal mechanisms rather than resort to campaigns of calumny,” Akinlosotu advised.
“Civil society must continue to hold leaders accountable, but never become tools for vendetta or institutional destabilization.”
The Council appealed to NCC management to exercise compassion and restraint toward protesting staff, emphasizing the importance of reconciliation and internal peace within the organization. (edited)
