Northern youths seek review of Customs recruitment exercise

By Desmond Mgboh, Kano

The Northern Youth Assembly (NYA) has called on the Federal Character Commission (FCC) to conduct an independent review of the Nigeria Customs Service’s recently concluded recruitment exercise over concerns about fairness and national representation.

In a statement signed by its National Secretary, Dr Abdulhafiz Garba, and released on Thursday, the group said the call followed widespread complaints from applicants and other Nigerians over the regional distribution of successful candidates.

The NYA, which described itself as a youth-driven organisation committed to justice, equity and national cohesion, maintained that every federal recruitment exercise must strictly comply with the principles of federal character, fairness, transparency and inclusiveness as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution.

“Our concern is not driven by regional sentiment or political interest. It is informed by the need to preserve public confidence in our national institutions,” the statement said.

The group noted that it had received numerous complaints from applicants who believed the outcome of the recruitment did not adequately reflect the Federal Character Principle.

“Whether these concerns are ultimately validated or not, they deserve careful attention and response. Public institutions must not only be fair but must also be seen to be fair,” it added.

The Assembly appealed to affected applicants and members of the public to remain peaceful, law-abiding and pursue their grievances through lawful channels.

“Nigeria can only grow stronger when every citizen has confidence that opportunities within the public service are provided fairly to all citizens and without discrimination,” the statement said.