ABUJA, Nigeria — The House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee investigating alleged job racketeering has reported receiving petitions against 39 Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs, over allegations of job racketeering and other infractions.
The shocking revelation came from the Chairman of the committee, Yusuf Gagdi, in his opening remarks at the resumed sitting of the Committee on Monday, July 31, 2023.
The committee was specifically set up to probe into the alleged mismanagement of the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System, IPPIS, involving various MDAs, parastatals, and tertiary institutions.
Some implicated MDAs include the Federal Character Commission, FCC, Office of the Head of Service, Budget Office, IPPIS, and Federal Civil Service Commission.
Gagdi announced that the committee would engage with over 600 MDAs to unearth the full extent of the malfeasance within the federal civil service, indicating a possibly extensive and pervasive issue within the governmental structure.
The investigation into job racketeering comes after a turbulent last sitting of the committee, marked by allegations and counter-allegations between the Chairman of the Federal Character Commission, FCC, Muheeba Dankaka, and some commissioners over job racketeering.
The scandal has sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s governmental departments, casting a shadow on recruitment processes and further shaking public trust in government institutions.
Uncovering such allegations at various levels of government may lead to a comprehensive review of hiring practices within the civil service.
Chairman Gagdi expressed the committee’s commitment to an exhaustive and transparent investigation.
“We intend to leave no stone unturned. This issue undermines the integrity of our public institutions, and we must act decisively to address it,” he stated.
Observers and civil society groups have praised the investigation but also called for swift action against those found guilty.
The probe’s outcome is eagerly awaited, with many Nigerians hoping it will lead to significant reforms and greater transparency in government hiring practices.
The ripple effects of this investigation could be significant, with potential implications for the broader fight against corruption and the ongoing efforts to enhance efficiency and accountability within Nigeria’s public sector.
Domestic and international stakeholders will keenly observe the committee’s findings as Nigeria grapples with the complex challenge of ensuring good governance and integrity within its public institutions.
