Reps to probe FIRS, CAC, NDIC over ‘lopsided’ recruitment

The house of representatives has resolved to probe the alleged lopsided recruitment process in the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), and Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC).

The resolution was passed during plenary on Thursday, following the adoption of a motion by Ali Isa, the minority whip.

Moving the motion, Isa said there are allegations that staff recruitment processes in the agencies are “marred by irregularities of favouritism” and non-compliance with the federal character principle.

He said the allegations also include extra-budgetary expenditures with funds earmarked for statutory operations being used for non-statutory items — in gross violation of the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007.

“If the allegations of lopsided employments and extra-budgetary expenditures are true, the principles of fairness, equality and transparency are violated, erode public trust in critical institutions, reduce operational efficiency, and will foster a sense of marginalisation and hopelessness among sections of the Nigerian populace,” he said.

The lawmaker said the alleged malpractices could undermine the capacity of the government agencies to effectively carry out their mandates and may affect tax collection, corporate regulation, and the stability of Nigeria’s financial system.

In 2023, a job racketeering probe by the house ad hoc committee chaired by Yusuf Gagdi, a lawmaker from Plateau, ended in a scandal.

The committee ended the investigation after members were accused of demanding bribes.