From Atiku Sarki, Abuja
The Nigerian Export Promotion Council has denied reports alleging procedural breaches in its promotion examinations, describing the claims as baseless and misleading.
An online publication, SaharaReporters, had alleged that the Council’s Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer, Nonye Ayeni, was making appointments in violation of civil service procedures.
However, in a statement signed by NEPC’s Director of Policy and Strategy, Lawal Dalhat, and issued on Friday in Abuja, the Council dismissed the allegations as “egregious misinformation” and a fundamental misunderstanding of civil service promotion processes.
“Our attention has been drawn to a story in SaharaReporters concerning the forthcoming promotion examinations scheduled for July 9 to 11, 2025. The article is a clear example of blatant misinformation and ignorance of how promotion exams are conducted within the civil service,” the statement read.
While refraining from engaging in a media spat, the Council emphasized the importance of providing clarity, insisting there was nothing to hide regarding the conduct of the examinations.
Giving context, the statement revealed that 74 staff members participated in the 2024 promotion exams held between April 3 and 4, with 49 successfully promoted. The process, the Council said, was adjudged free, fair and devoid of irregularities.
Dalhat explained that the Council cannot independently promote staff without due clearance and approval from the Office of the Head of Service of the Federation.
“Before any promotion examination is held, the Council must write to the Head of Service requesting approval of its manpower budget. This includes the number of available vacancies, and the request must be backed with justification that the staff in question have fulfilled statutory requirements, including the minimum number of years on their current grade level,” the statement added.
He further noted that only after such approval is granted does the Executive Director convene a Senior Staff Committee meeting to deliberate on the examination process, dates, and modalities in line with civil service regulations.
“It is therefore impossible for the Executive Director/CEO to handpick candidates or unilaterally determine eligibility for promotion exams. These decisions are made collectively and transparently.”
The statement disclosed that the Senior Staff Committee met on June 24, 2025, to finalize plans for the exams, and a circular (Ref: ADM/CONF/SM/I/VOL.12/121) was issued on June 26 to all staff, listing 102 eligible candidates.
“As of today, not a single formal complaint has been received regarding the process. It is perplexing to see claims of discontent in the SaharaReporters article,” the Council stated.
Addressing concerns about staff with HNDs or those without university degrees, NEPC reaffirmed its commitment to fairness, saying promotion opportunities were extended to employees based on both merit and humanitarian considerations.
“In 2024, many staff members who had remained on the same level for over eight years were finally able to sit for promotion exams. Where stagnation is identified, the ED/CEO, on the advice of the Senior Staff Committee, can request waivers from the HoS to allow such staff to participate,” it explained.
Responding to the publication’s mention of two specific staff—Mr. Abayomi Akodu (Deputy Director, Accounts) and Mr. Joshua Mani (Assistant Director, Accounts)—NEPC said the report failed to present evidence of any wrongdoing.
“These individuals have neither sat for the upcoming examinations nor been promoted. So where lies the offence? If they eventually sit and fail, would the accusations of nepotism still stand?” the statement queried.
It also clarified that the Executive Director has no role in setting, collating, or marking the examinations.
“The promotion examinations for NEPC staff will hold from July 9 to 11, 2025, in strict compliance with civil service rules,” the Council concluded.