The House of Representatives has commenced an investigation into the alleged ongoing lopsided recruitment into the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) and other agencies under the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity.
The investigation will be conducted by the Committees on Federal Character, Labour/Employment/Productivity, Public Service Matters and Disabilities.
The report is expected to be turned in within four weeks, according to a resolution the House passed in plenary on Wednesday in Abuja.
The session, which was presided over by the Speaker, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, passed the resolution following a motion moved by a lawmaker from Kwara State, Rep. Ismail Tijani.
The House was informed how fresh graduates, including the son of a minister, had already been placed on managerial positions in some of the agencies carrying out the recruitment.
Tijani’s motion reads, “The House notes that the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) is currently recruiting for positions at the management level.
“Concerned that only people from one particular part of the country are being recruited in the current exercise, which negates the principles of Federal Character
“Aware that the Minister of Labour and Productivity has been embroiled in a battle to control Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), including the NSITF, and had been summoned by the National Assembly for the alleged misdemeanor in 2016 and 2021 respectively.
“Also aware that the summons was based on allegations of employment irregularities, impunity, and anomalies indicating gross abuse of office.
“Worried that the current recruitment process at the NSITF, which is alleged to be biased could negatively affect the promotion of hardworking staff of the organisation.
“Also worried that the Minister’s alleged reign of impunity across the ministries and agencies under his supervision has continued unabated despite engagements and interventions of the National assembly.
“Disturbed that the alleged undue favouritism in the ongoing recruitment exercise at the NSITF could prevent the country from deriving the maximum benefits from the MDAs.”
