Senate criticizes NNPCL for not following recruitment rules and avoiding legislative checks.
Lawmakers say agencies must obey the law and ensure fairness in all hiring processes.
he Nigerian Senate has issued a scathing rebuke of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), accusing the corporation of consistently disregarding constitutional provisions and deliberately evading legislative oversight, particularly in relation to its recruitment practices.
The accusations came to light during an investigative hearing held by the Senate Committee on Federal Character and Inter-Governmental Affairs. The session, which was presided over by the committee chairman, Senator Allwell Onyesoh (PDP, Rivers East), focused on scrutinizing alleged irregularities and non-compliance with federal character principles across various government agencies.
In his address, Senator Onyesoh condemned what he described as the NNPCL’s culture of impunity. He expressed frustration over the company’s repeated failure to submit itself to the authority of the National Assembly, a body constitutionally empowered to carry out oversight functions. He noted that such behavior amounted to a violation of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which mandates transparency, equity, and accountability in all federal appointments and recruitment processes.
About lopsided recruitment and nepotism in the federal civil service and key government institutions. Senator Onyesoh said the NNPCL’s failure to comply with summons from the Senate was not only an act of defiance but also a direct challenge to democratic governance and the rule of law.
Further highlighting the extent of the problem, the committee also interrogated Mr. Charles Odii, the Director-General of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), over similar allegations. During the hearing, documents presented revealed that Katsina State had more recruits into SMEDAN than the entire South-South, South-East, and South-West geopolitical zones combined a stark violation of the federal character principle, which requires equitable representation of all regions in federal appointments.
In a contrast that underscored the gravity of NNPCL’s non-cooperation, the committee commended the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for its openness and collaboration. The ICPC, under the leadership of Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, was praised for complying with the committee’s request and demonstrating a commitment to transparency and fairness in its operations.
The National Universities Commission (NUC) was also represented at the hearing by Professor Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu. The NUC, unlike the NNPCL, admitted to having conducted lopsided recruitment exercises. In response, the committee ordered the commission to suspend further recruitment and submit its current employment structure and future recruitment plans for review and approval. This, the lawmakers explained, would ensure corrective action is taken and prevent further violations.
The committee reiterated its earlier position that all federal ministries, departments, and agencies must adhere strictly to the provisions of the federal character principle as enshrined in the constitution. Senator Onyesoh warned that any institution found to be in breach would face the full weight of the law, including possible sanctions, suspension of recruitment exercises, and public censure.
The committee pledged to continue its oversight role and ensure that equity, fairness, and constitutional compliance guide the operations of every federal establishment. The Senate’s tough stance on the NNPCL is part of a broader legislative push to restore public confidence in Nigeria’s institutions and reinforce the principles of justice and equal opportunity in governance.
