The Northern Youth Assembly (NYA), expresses deep concern over the outcome of the recently concluded recruitment exercise conducted by the Nigeria Customs Service. The concern follows a widespread complaints and dissatisfaction from the applicants and other patriotic Nigerians across the country, in the regional representation of the successful candidates.
As a youth-driven organisation committed to justice, equity, and national cohesion, we believe that every federal recruitment exercise must strictly uphold the principles of national character, fairness, transparency, inclusiveness, as it is enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Our concern is not driven by regional sentiment or political interest. It is rather informed by the need to preserve public confidence in our national institutions. Recruitment into federal agencies should reflect the diversity of Nigeria and provide equal opportunities to qualified citizens, irrespective of their state, region, ethnicity, or religion.
We have received numerous complaints from number of applicants who are dissatisfied with the process, and who believe that the outcome of the recruitment does not adequately reflect the Federal Character Principle and practice. 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.
In view of these concerns, the Northern Youth Assembly respectfully calls on the Federal Character Commission to carry out an independent review of the recruitment process to ascertain whether the constitutional provisions on equitable representation were fully observed. Where, any imbalance is identified, appropriate corrective measures should be taken to restore confidence in the process.
We also urge the leadership of the Nigeria Customs Service to make the recruitment process more transparent by providing clear information on the engagement of the successful candidates across states and geopolitical zones.
Greater openness will help address public concerns and reinforce trust in our public institutions.
The Northern Youth Assembly remains committed to promoting peace, justice, and national unity. We firmly believe that 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.
We therefore appeal to all affected applicants and members of the public to remain peaceful, law-abiding, and to pursue their concerns through lawful channels. National development is best achieved through dialogue, accountability, and respect for the rule of law.
Our nation belongs to all of us, and every Nigerian deserves an equal opportunity to contribute to the growth and development of our dear nation
Signed
Abdulhafiz Garba Phd
National Secretary
Northern Youth Assembly (NYA)