Kano State Assembly Demands Cancellation of Customs Recruitment over Southern Favouritism

The Kano State House of Assembly has demanded the immediate cancellation of the recently concluded Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) recruitment exercise, alleging favouritism towards applicants from southern Nigeria.

The resolution followed a heated debate during plenary on Wednesday after several lawmakers raised concerns that the recruitment list released by the Customs Service did not reflect fair representation across all geopolitical zones, particularly the North.

Motion Raised Over Regional Imbalance

Presenting the motion, Hon. Musa Ali Kachako, representing Takai Constituency, described the recruitment outcome as “grossly unfair” and inconsistent with the principles of federal character enshrined in Nigeria’s Constitution.

According to him, “The list clearly shows a disturbing pattern of southern domination, with minimal representation from Kano and other northern states. Such imbalance cannot be justified under any circumstance.”

He added that the Nigeria Customs Service, being a federal agency, is expected to uphold equity, inclusivity, and regional balance in its employment process.

Assembly’s Resolution

After deliberations, the Assembly unanimously resolved to:

Call on the Federal Government to cancel the recruitment exercise and order a fresh, transparent process that ensures equal opportunity for all qualified Nigerians.
Urge the National Assembly Committees on Customs and Federal Character to investigate the alleged bias.
Engage the Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, to liaise with relevant authorities in demanding justice for Kano indigenes who were “unfairly sidelined.”

Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Jibril Ismail Falgore, emphasized that the Assembly’s stance was not political but a matter of fairness. “We stand against any recruitment that undermines national unity and disregards the rights of qualified citizens from any region,” he stated.

The alleged regional bias has stirred mixed reactions across Nigeria, with many calling for an audit of recent federal recruitment exercises to ensure compliance with federal character principles.

Civil society groups in Kano have also backed the Assembly’s resolution, urging President Bola Tinubu’s administration to promote inclusivity and meritocracy in public service recruitment.

Analysts note that this controversy highlights growing public concern over perceived regional imbalance in federal appointments and the need for greater transparency in national employment processes.

Nigeria Customs Service Yet to Respond

As of press time, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has not officially responded to the allegations. However, internal sources reportedly claim that the recruitment process followed due process and that regional representation was “balanced according to merit.”

Observers say the unfolding situation could pressure federal institutions to publish detailed breakdowns of recruitment statistics, thereby enhancing public accountability.

Conclusion

The Kano State Assembly’s call for the cancellation of the Nigeria Customs Service recruitme underscores mounting regional tension over fairness in federal appointments. Whether the federal government will heed the Assembly’s demand remains to be seen, but the controversy has already sparked a national conversation about transparency, equality, and unity in Nigeria’s public service system.