With the era of political patronage behind us, the Tinubu administration is reintroducing merit, technical skills, and openness in federal recruitment processes within essential revenue-generating agencies.

By Bamidele Atoyebi

A former director at NNPC once told me, “If I were appointed as GMD of NNPC, my first move would be to terminate the employment of hundreds of non-contributing staff. Many secured their positions through connections or corruption and lack the essential skills to advance the company.”

Though his comments may seem harsh, they reflect a long-standing issue in Nigeria: a bloated public sector filled with disguised unemployment, where roles are filled not by merit or passion but by connections or mere job availability.

However, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, this situation is rapidly changing.

**FIRS: Equitable Recruitment, Clear Procedures**

In 2024, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), led by Dr. Zacch Adedeji, implemented an open and transparent recruitment process nationwide. It shortlisted over 8,000 candidates, resulting in the hiring of 1,200 new staff in 2025.

For the first time in years, FIRS operated without political favoritism, avoiding covert schemes for slot-sharing or preferential treatment for privileged individuals. The process was merit-based and publicly accountable.

**NNPC: Ending a Hiring Freeze with New Opportunities**

Recruitment at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) had been stagnant for years. This changed when Mele Kyari and Olufemi S. Ojulari led the company to reopen its recruitment portal in late 2024.

More than 45,000 Nigerians applied, and a transparent, competitive process resulted in several hundred qualified technical professionals joining key departments. In an essential sector like oil and gas, this emphasis on technical expertise represents a significant reform.

**Nigeria Customs Service: Record Numbers, No Political Interference**

The Nigeria Customs Service, under Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, initiated a recruitment process in January 2025 that drew an impressive 573,519 candidates for 3,927 positions.

The subsequent selection process was orderly, technology-driven, and free from political influence. There were no manipulated slots or secret lists—just qualifications and professionalism.

This transparency has not only enhanced the agency's reputation but is also rebuilding trust in government employment procedures.

**Immigration Service: A Shift from Tragedy to Trust**

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) once bore the tragedy of the March 15, 2014 recruitment disaster, which resulted in the deaths of between 16 to 24 young Nigerians during stampedes across various states. Although the recruitment was ultimately canceled and compensations were issued, it left a significant scar on national morale.

Now, under Tinubu's administration, the NIS has successfully conducted two peaceful recruitment drives in January 2024 and March 2025, marked by safety and organization.

This reflects a revival of institutional competence and accountable leadership.

**Cultural Change in Public Employment**

Traditionally, federal agencies, particularly those generating revenue, were regarded as rewards for the political elite. Positions in FIRS, NNPC, Customs, and Immigration were often distributed among governors, senators, and ministers, providing lucrative roles for often unqualified relatives.

Today marks a departure from that practice. Tinubu’s appointments, like Adedeji at FIRS, Ojulari at NNPC, and Adeniyi at Customs, demonstrate his commitment to competence and performance over privilege.

While previous foundations may have crumbled, today, we are reconstructing them with merit, transparency, and visionary leadership.

**More than Jobs: Seeking Justice for a Generation**

This initiative extends beyond hiring reform; it is a crucial rescue operation. For too long, Nigeria's brightest talents were overlooked due to a lack of connections. Now, young Nigerians from all regions are able to apply and secure positions purely based on their qualifications.

This is more than just about employment; it is about achieving justice for a generation that has been neglected. It is about reinstating dignity in work, fairness in opportunities, and purpose in public service.

We encourage other vital agencies and ministries, such as CBN, TETFUND, and NIMASA, to embrace President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Vision for a more prosperous and progressive Nigeria.

Bamidele Atoyebi, the Convenor of the BAT Ideological Group, is involved in accountability and policy monitoring while serving as a social worker, criminologist, maritime administrator, and philanthropist. He sent this message from Abuja.