Federal Agencies Commit to Fair Hiring and Promotion Practices

The Federal Character Commission (FCC) and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) have made a commitment to work together to ensure fairness and inclusivity in hiring and promotions. This promise was made during a meeting on Tuesday at the FCC headquarters in Abuja.

Peter Eze, the FCC Commissioner from Enugu State, emphasized the importance of giving qualified Nigerians from all regions a fair chance to contribute to the country’s growth. He pointed out that while fairness is important, it should not come at the expense of merit. Eze stated, “Fairness is not a substitute for merit, and merit should not become an excuse for exclusion.” He believes that it is possible to have a workforce that is both skilled and representative of the nation.

Eze noted that the meeting aimed to review FAAN’s hiring practices, address any challenges, and find ways to better follow federal guidelines on diversity in the workplace. He urged FAAN to go beyond just submitting compliance documents and to truly commit to providing equal opportunities. He said a diverse workforce would help build public trust and support national development.

In response, FAAN’s Managing Director, Olubunmi Onabanjo-Kuku, confirmed the authority’s commitment to the federal character principle. She highlighted that FAAN’s promotion processes involve discussions with various government bodies to ensure fairness while maintaining professional standards in aviation.

Onabanjo-Kuku mentioned that FAAN has not received any complaints from the FCC regarding non-compliance. She welcomed any further guidance from the FCC on recruitment and promotion procedures, assuring that FAAN would continue to follow the established guidelines.

She also explained that staff deployment is based on operational needs and international aviation standards. FAAN manages 22 airports and provides services for several others, and staffing decisions depend on specific operational demands.

In a related note, FCC Executive Chairman Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran expressed the commission’s eagerness to strengthen its relationship with federal agencies. She mentioned that the FCC is adopting a more direct approach to ensure compliance and improve cooperation with government institutions.