Job racketeering has always been a concern within Nigeria’s public service, reflecting a trend where fraudulent schemes exploit the desperation of job seekers.
The practice involves the sale of job vacancies in government parastatals and ministries.
The recent probe by the ad hoc committee of the House Representatives has only succeeded in further unravelling an already existing virus ravaging Nigeria’s public service.
According to a 2020 report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), 32 per cent of Nigerians paid bribes to secure jobs in the public service in 2019.
This unethical phenomenon not only erodes meritocracy and hampers the efficiency of public institutions but also perpetuates corruption and inequality. This in turn underscores the urgent need for comprehensive reforms to restore integrity and fairness in the country’s employment processes.
Recently, there were shocking revelations from Haruna Kolo, a former aide to the Chairperson of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Muheeba Dankaka.
Mr Kolo admitted to participating in a scheme led by his former boss in which federal employment slots were sold to job seekers while testifying before a House of Representatives ad hoc committee.
He further disclosed that Dankaka orchestrated a network that collected money from individuals seeking employment opportunities, with transactions conducted exclusively in cash to avoid digital traces.
‘Job racketeering results in a workforce that lacks skills and qualifications
The recent probe into 600 out of the 900 federal government agencies not only sheds light on the extent of corruption within the recruitment system for government jobs in Nigeria but also raises concerns about the dire consequences this practice can have on the integrity, efficiency, and overall development of the nation.
Job racketeering undermines the foundational principles of meritocracy and fairness that should govern public-sector employment.
The very foundation of a just and equitable society is undermined when positions are bought and sold, causing deserving and qualified candidates to lose out to those with deeper pockets.
As a result, a workforce is created that may lack the necessary skills and qualifications, resulting in decreased productivity, inefficiency, and ultimately stifling the nation’s progress.
‘Job racketeering consequences are detrimental to the Country’s progress
Furthermore, job racketeering causes institutions to deteriorate. Institutions become compromised and ineffective when appointments are made based on financial exchanges rather than qualifications.
Competent individuals may be overlooked in favour of those who have paid their way into positions. Thereby undermining the institutions’ capacity to function optimally and fulfil their intended roles.
Job racketeering is not an isolated practice; it is a manifestation of a broader culture of corruption that exists in virtually every level of the public sector.
When individuals at the highest echelons of authority are involved in such schemes, it sets a precedent for corruption to flourish.
This, in turn, hampers the government’s ability to effectively deliver public services, allocate resources, and implement policies for the betterment of the citizens.
The consequences of job racketeering within Nigeria’s public sector are far-reaching and detrimental to Nigeria’s progress.
To ensure a brighter future, steps must be taken to eradicate this corrosive practice and rebuild a public sector that is founded on principles of fairness, transparency, and competence. Only through these measures can Nigeria’s institutions genuinely serve the needs and aspirations of its citizens.
