NEPC Staff Accuse Executive Director of Nepotism, Violating Civil Service Rules Ahead of 2025 Promotions
Allegations of Favoritism and Procedural Violations Rock Nigerian Export Promotion Council
The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) is embroiled in controversy as staff members raise serious allegations against Executive Director Nonye Ayeni ahead of the organization’s 2025 promotion exercise. Multiple sources within the agency accuse Ayeni of nepotism, abuse of office, and flouting established civil service procedures in the lead-up to the July 9-11 promotion process.
Staff Allege Manipulation of Promotion Process
According to documents obtained by journalists in Ilorin, aggrieved staff claim Ayeni has manipulated the promotion selection process by choosing only 14 out of 102 eligible candidates. Many believe qualified professionals are being sidelined in favor of individuals perceived to have personal connections to the Executive Director.
“There is a growing sense that Mrs. Ayeni runs the Council like her personal business,” one staff member revealed. “She discards federal circulars and acts as if she embodies the powers of the Head of Service, the Federal Civil Service Commission, and the National Council on Establishments combined.”
Concerns Over Staff Redeployments and Qualifications
The allegations extend beyond the promotion process. Staff have raised concerns about:
- Unqualified individuals being placed in senior positions
- Professionals being reassigned outside their areas of expertise
- Alleged ethnic favoritism in staffing decisions
A particularly contentious case involves certified procurement officer Rilwanu Salisu Kallamu, who was reportedly reassigned from his procurement role to a trade promotion position in Port Harcourt. Staff allege this move was made to replace him with someone from Ayeni’s ethnic group who lacks proper qualifications.
Questions About Promotion Eligibility Criteria
The controversy also centers on the interpretation of promotion eligibility requirements. Staff reference a 2021 civil service circular stating that only academic qualifications—not professional certificates—can be used for advancement in public service. They claim some candidates on the current promotion list don’t meet this standard and were previously excluded from similar exercises.
NEPC’s Official Response
The Council has strongly denied all allegations, describing them as “egregious and blatant misinformation and a poor understanding of how promotion examinations are conducted in the civil service.”
In an official statement signed by Lawal Shehu Dalhat, Director of Policy and Strategy, NEPC outlined its promotion procedures:
Promotion Process Defended
Dalhat emphasized that “one person, ED/CEO, cannot unilaterally promote staff,” explaining the multi-layered approval process:
- Formal request to the Head of Service for approval of vacancies
- Verification of candidates’ statutory requirements
- Oversight by the Senior Staff Committee
The committee includes representatives from:
- Office of the Head of Civil Service
- Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment
- Federal Civil Service Commission
Previous Promotion Exercise Cited as Example
Dalhat pointed to the 2024 promotion exercise as evidence of fairness:
- 74 staff members sat for exams
- 49 passed and were all promoted
- Process conducted according to civil service rules
The Director confirmed that the committee met on June 24, 2025, and the circular listing 102 eligible candidates was issued on June 26. “As at the time of writing, not a single complaint has been received,” Dalhat noted.
Council Reaffirms Commitment to Transparency
The NEPC maintains that its promotion process remains transparent and fully compliant with civil service procedures. The Council has reiterated its dedication to professionalism and merit-based advancement, dismissing the allegations as unfounded.
As the July promotion exercise approaches, all eyes remain on the NEPC to see how these serious allegations will be addressed and whether they will impact the upcoming staff evaluations.
Credit: This report is based on original reporting from The Guardian Nigeria.