A report initiated by the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation has revealed the prevalence of nepotism in the recruitment and promotion in the Federal Civil Service.
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/ELLAN.png")
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2026-Summer-IDRI-Masterclass.jpg")
The report entitled: ‘Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (2017-2020): Culture Diagnostic Survey Report for the Federal Civil Service of Nigeria,’ was launched by the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Winifred Oyo-Ita, on Tuesday in Abuja.
She explained that the service-wide Culture Diagnostic Survey was deployed via Survey Monkey targeting about 10,000 Federal Civil Servants and that the questionnaire administered online elicited response from a total of 5,876 employees.
She said that in order to reposition the Federal Civil Service towards ensuring productivity and efficient service delivery in the country, there was the need to understand the baseline culture, behaviour and mindset as provided by the report.
The second paragraph on page 4 of the summary of the findings of the survey gave the details of nepotism in recruitment and promotion.
The report said, “Overall, Federal Civil Service employees reported a strong level of organisational identity. For example, respondents reported high level of the knowledge of what the FCS stands for, knowledge of the mandate of their Ministries, Departments and Agencies, pride in what the FCS represents, and attainability of the mission of the FCS.
“However, findings of the CDS also suggest that the FCS is plagued with low morale and lack of motivation among employees. In particular, dominant mindsets include the prevalence of nepotism in recruitment and promotion, non-conducive work environment and lack of adequate work tools; too much emphasis on seniority and ‘wait-for-your-time practice-which stifle innovation and creativity.”
Other findings of the survey included lack of accountability resulting in impunity, poor salaries and differences in pay structures, rigidity and bureaucratic bottlenecks and general lack of commitment and professionalism.
Oyo-Ita also said that the Federal Civil Service was aging, going by the employment status of the respondents, which indicated that 51 per cent of the respondents had served in the Federal Civil Service for at least 15 years with a little more than one-third (34 per cent) on Grade Level 12-14 while 39 per cent had worked at the FCS for less than 10 years.
She added that this was an indication that there were more older people in the service than the younger ones which she said accounted for large number of retirees from the service in the last two years.
Speaking on whether there was immediate plan to recruit fresh graduates to boost the workforce, Oyo-Ita said recruiting new workers was a function of resources because of the wage bill, adding that a strategic plan had been developed to address all the areas of concerns raised in the report.
The HoS, however, stressed that discipline was one of the areas the service was weak in the past but said the Federal Civil Service management committee was currently working with the Federal Civil Service Commission to ensure that disciplinary issues were addressed promptly and fairly handled.
“Order Your Copy Now” — Basil Momodu, Esq. Unveils Second Edition Of His Book, "Civil Procedure In Nigeria"
According to the learned author, Basil Momodu Esq. "Law review is a continuum. We will continue to track changes in the law to enrich future editions." Recommended Booksellers: Lagos: 08033855230, Abuja: 08035991379, and others.
_______________________________________________________________________
“Enhance Legal Practice With Authoritative Reports” — Alexander Payne Offers Comprehensive Law Reports, Spanning Over A Century Of Nigerian Jurisprudence
Interested buyers are encouraged to place their orders and enquiries via:
0704 444 4777, 0704 444 4999, 0818 199 9888
Website: www.alexandernigeria.com
The book, titled The Law of Torts in Nigeria: A Functional Approach, authored by Professor Hagler Sunny Okorie Ph.D and Ikeocha, Nathaniel Ngozi Esq, offers law students, practitioners, and academics a comprehensive guide to understanding and applying tort law in Nigerian courts. Interested buyers can place orders via the following contact numbers: 08028636615, 08037667945, 08032253813, or +234 902 196 2209.
________________________________________________________________________
[A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials
