The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has debunked allegations of procedural breaches in its upcoming staff promotion examinations, describing a recent report (Not THE WHISTLER)as “blatant misinformation” and a “misunderstanding of civil service processes.”
The online platform had accused the NEPC’s Executive Director and CEO, Mrs. Nonye Ayeni, of conducting “appointments in violation of procedures” ahead of the promotion exams scheduled for July 9–11, 2025.
But the Council insists that not only is the allegation premature, it is also factually and procedurally incorrect.
“The publication essentially accused and convicted Mrs. Ayeni of an offence she has not committed—one that is supposedly scheduled to take place seven days after the article was published.
“That is not only unfair; it is a troubling example of a miscarriage of justice,” said Lawal Shehu Dalhat, NEPC’s Director of Policy and Strategy, in a statement released in Abuja.
Dalhat noted that promotion exercises within the federal civil service are bound by stringent rules and multi-layered approvals.
He explained that the Council must first secure clearance from the Office of the Head of Service (HoS), with justification for available vacancies and verification that eligible staff have met statutory requirements—including a minimum of three to four years on their current grade level.
According to him, once the HoS grants approval, a Senior Staff Committee comprising the ED/CEO, NEPC directors, and representatives from the HoS, the Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment, and the Federal Civil Service Commission, convenes to determine modalities for the exercise.
“It is impossible for the ED/CEO to handpick or unilaterally decide who sits for the examinations. The process is institutional, not personal,” he stated.
A similar promotion exam was held in April 2024 where 74 staff sat for the assessment and 49 were promoted.
The Council maintains that the process was transparent and drew no complaints.
Responding to citation of civil service rules regarding limitations on staff with HND qualifications, the NEPC reaffirmed its commitment to compliance.
It referenced a 2022 circular which clarified that HND holders cannot progress beyond Grade Level 14, regardless of professional certifications.
“No candidate in the forthcoming exercise falls outside these boundaries,” Dalhat added.
He also addressed specific names mentioned in the report, including Mr. Abayomi Akodu and Mr. Joshua Mani, asserting that neither of them has sat for, passed, or benefited from any promotion based on favoritism.
“Should they fail the examination, what happens to these allegations?” Dalhat queried.
On the marking of exams, the Council clarified that directors set and mark the questions on the same day of the exercise, with no role for the ED/CEO in determining outcomes.
“The results are compiled immediately and handed over to relevant senior officers. It is a process governed by collective oversight, not executive discretion,” the Council stated.
Dalhat emphasized that even successful candidates may not be promoted if no vacancy exists at the next level, reinforcing the bureaucratic nature of the process.
Dismissing allegations of nepotism, the Council insisted that Ayeni has no relatives, friends, or associates working at NEPC and has not offered any job or promotion as a favour.
“The NEPC remains committed to merit, fairness, and adherence to civil service rules. The upcoming promotion exams will follow due process, just as they have in the past,” Dalhat concluded.