Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Intervention by NCSCN
- Independent Inquiry Findings
- Examination Conduct Details
- Acknowledgment of Issues
- Caution to the Media
- Conclusion
The National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN) has intervened in the dispute regarding the 2025 staff promotion exercise of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), urging dissatisfied employees to utilize internal mechanisms for seeking redress for perceived grievances, rather than launching smear campaigns against the organization.
Attributing the controversy to the actions of internal saboteurs within the organization, who leveraged the examination to undermine the NCC leadership, the CSO warned that it would not hesitate to publicly identify such individuals if they do not choose the path of reason.
In a statement released by NCSCN Executive Director, Blessing Akinlosotu, the Council indicated that it had received numerous petitions and media reports regarding the conduct of the NCC’s promotional examinations under the leadership of Executive Vice Chairman, Dr. Aminu Maida.
The NCSCN reported that it launched an independent inquiry, engaged with the accused, and directly confronted the management of the commission. Following an investigation into the allegations, it found no substantial evidence of victimization or intentional marginalization as claimed, but rather unavoidable circumstances arising from institutional frameworks and natural factors.
The statement noted that the NCSCN discovered that the promotion exams were accessible to all eligible staff without exclusion, that interview panels were composed of members from all six geopolitical zones and included external observers. The results of the exams were consistent with the Commission’s vacancy structure and manpower plan. No intentional marginalization or violation of Federal Character was established, and some qualified staff could not be promoted due to a lack of available positions.
It stated, “The examination was conducted in accordance with the Public Service Rules, the Commission’s organizational structure, and manpower plan, with each level having a predetermined number of vacancies that align with the personnel the Commission could accommodate at each tier.
“The promotion exams were conducted for all eligible staff members in the Commission, without excluding anyone.
“The interview panels were made up of qualified management staff from each of the six geopolitical zones, along with independent external members and representatives from the Federal Character Commission (FCC), to ensure oversight and compliance with applicable regulations.
“Some staff members indeed passed the exams and were well-qualified, but faced challenges due to the unavailability of vacancies for everyone.
“No laws were violated during the exercise; instead, the promotion process adhered to a clear and objective scoring framework that was communicated to all participants prior to the exams.”
The Council also recognized that certain technical and logistical issues arose during the examination process, including extended hours and scheduling conflicts with religious fasting periods, but characterized these as administrative oversights rather than acts of victimization.
Akinlosotu urged protesting staff to express remorse and engage in dialogue, appealing to the NCC leadership to practice forgiveness and ensure that no staff member faces dismissal due to this controversy.
She also warned the media against sensationalizing internal administrative issues, urging journalists to maintain professionalism and verify facts prior to publication.
“The media has the power to either build or destroy an institution. We must all exercise caution and self-restraint when reporting on sensitive matters,” she added.
The NCSCN emphasized that while it remains dedicated to combating injustice and promoting transparency in public institutions, civil society organizations must not allow themselves to be manipulated as instruments for internal vendettas or destabilization. “This issue should now be put to rest,” the Council advised.
FAQ
What is the NCSCN's stance on the NCC promotion exercise?
The NCSCN encourages staff members to use internal mechanisms for addressing grievances rather than resorting to smear campaigns. They conducted an inquiry and found no evidence of victimization or marginalization.
What were the findings of the independent inquiry conducted by NCSCN?
The inquiry revealed that the promotion exams were accessible to all eligible staff, conducted fairly, and in compliance with regulations. No laws were broken, and vacancies limited the number of promotions.
What advice did Akinlosotu give to the protesting staff and the media?
Akinlosotu urged the protesting staff to show remorse and engage in dialogue, while advising the media to avoid sensationalism and verify information before publication.
