Nigerian telecom regulator defends hiring practices

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the country's telecommunications regulator, has refuted media reports that it is not adhering to national guidelines on hiring practices.

Media reports cite allegations against the NCC by the Federal Character Commission (FCC), the agency charged with enforcing federal hiring principles. Nigeria's Federal Character Guiding Principles and Formula in the Recruitment of Staff calls for diverse ethnic representation in federal government organizations.

A news statement from the NCC confirmed the commission had received a request for a meeting from the FCC. The NCC has agreed to the meeting to clear up any issues that may have led to the invitation, the NCC said.

Reacting to the media reports, head of public affairs at the NCC Dave Imoko said the commission is law abiding and remains one of the most compliant government institutions regarding staff recruitment, making conscious efforts to ensure proportional representation from all sections of the country.

Imoko insisted that the NCC is not against the principle of fair hiring and has not breached any section of the federal character principles. He assured that the commission is working to ensure that recruitment reflects the hiring guidelines.

"The Nigerian Communications Commission will continue to work closely to support the activities of the Federal Character Commission as a sister agency of government," Imoko said.

The NCC has been responsible for creating an environment for competition among operators in the industry as well as ensuring the provision of efficient telecom services throughout the country. It has depicted itself as supporting a market-driven telecom, promoting universal access.