Senate Uncovers Severe Imbalance in PENCOM Recruitment
The Senate Committee on Federal Character and Intergovernmental Affairs has intensified its investigation into alleged recruitment irregularities at the National Pension Commission (PENCOM), revealing gross disparities in staff distribution across local government areas, states, and geopolitical zones.
At a public hearing held in Abuja on Thursday, committee members expressed outrage over PENCOM’s failure to comply with the Federal Character Principle, a constitutional mandate designed to ensure equitable representation in federal appointments.
Senators Condemn Skewed Staffing Practices at PENCOM
Unfair Hiring Favors Some LGAs Over Others
According to a statement by Peter Oriri, Special Adviser on Publicity and Communications to Senator Allwell Onyesoh (Rivers East), who chairs the committee, PENCOM’s recruitment patterns since 2021 show serious regional imbalances:
Delta State has 16 PENCOM staff, six from a single LGA
Ebonyi State has six staff, with four from one LGA
Edo State has 12 staff, five from one LGA
Gombe State leads with 19 staff, 11 from one LGA
These statistics suggest that some local governments are significantly overrepresented while entire states remain excluded, contradicting federal employment guidelines.
Federal Character Violations Spark Legislative Backlash
Committee Calls for Grassroots Equity in Future Hiring
Senator Onyesoh criticized systemic interference in the recruitment process by other government institutions:
“Each time there is a recruitment exercise, the process is often sabotaged by other government bodies like IPPIS, the Office of the Head of Service, Accountant General, and even the Federal Character Commission, who all demand their own quota. This practice must stop.”
He emphasized that future recruitments must focus on local government inclusivity rather than broad state or zonal quotas to truly represent Nigeria’s diversity.
Lawmakers Demand Transparency and Compliance
No Federal Agency Fully Compliant with Quota Guidelines
Other members of the committee backed Onyesoh’s concerns:
Senator Osita Ngwu (Enugu West) declared that no MDA (Ministry, Department, or Agency) has fully complied with Federal Character requirements.
Senator Amos Yohanna (Adamawa North) described PENCOM’s recruitment pattern as “the worst” reviewed so far and called for immediate corrective action.
PENCOM Acknowledges Flaws, Promises Reforms
DG Omolola Oworonran Admits Regional Disparity
Responding to the committee, PENCOM’s Director-General, Omolola Oworonran, admitted to the imbalance in staff distribution. She noted that:
Overrepresented LGAs and states have been identified.
Underrepresented areas like Rivers and Jigawa will be prioritized in future hiring.
She also pledged to maintain open communication with the Senate Committee and ensure transparency in all upcoming recruitment exercises.
What Is the Federal Character Principle?
The Federal Character Principle, enshrined in Nigeria’s Constitution, mandates equitable representation of all states and local governments in federal appointments. It aims to promote national unity and prevent marginalization of minority regions in the distribution of public service jobs.
