Two labour unions have accused the governing board of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) of abuse of office and manipulation of the agency’s 2021 recruitment exercise.
Gatekeepers News reports that the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) and the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE) made the allegation in a joint statement issued on Wednesday.
The statement, signed by the ASCSN Chairman, Paul Onimisi, and his AUPCTRE counterpart, Abdulmumin Idris, alleged that the FERMA board, acting through its chairman and with the backing of some management and human resources officials, has taken actions that undermine established public service procedures.
According to the unions, the governing board initially approved recommendations submitted by the Senior Staff Committee (SSC) on the 2021 recruitment exercise, but later reversed the decision verbally in favour of “select” staff members.
They maintained that the board lacks the authority to alter decisions of a duly constituted SSC, adding that it was improper for the committee’s recommendations to be subjected to board approval in the first place, as such decisions are meant for the board’s information only.
The unions reaffirmed their support for the SSC’s original recommendations and disclosed that some staff recruited during the 2021 exercise have taken the matter to the National Industrial Court, an action they said contravenes public service rules.
They called for the immediate suspension of the affected staff members, arguing that the matter has become sub judice and should not be discussed or acted upon until the court delivers its judgment.
The unions further warned that continued violations could result in the outright cancellation of the 2021 recruitment exercise, which they claimed breached approvals granted by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.
They also cautioned the FERMA board against interference in the day-to-day operations of the agency, noting that public service rules prohibit part-time board members from encroaching on executive functions.
In addition, the unions said the agency’s 2025 promotion exercise would proceed strictly in line with SSC recommendations, pledging direct union involvement to ensure a transparent accreditation and examination process.
