The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has dismissed allegations of irregularities and nepotism in its forthcoming promotion examinations, describing recent reports by SaharaReporters as “blatant misinformation” and a misrepresentation of civil service processes.
In a detailed rebuttal issued by Lawal Shehu Dalhat, Director of Policy and Strategy at NEPC Headquarters, the Council clarified that the promotion exams, scheduled for July 9 to 11, 2025, are being conducted strictly in line with federal civil service rules and under the oversight of relevant regulatory bodies.
The statement, obtained by Okay.ng, refuted claims that NEPC Executive Director/CEO Mrs. Nonye Ayeni was “handpicking” candidates or violating appointment procedures. It noted that SaharaReporters’ publication was based on unfounded assumptions and even accused the ED/CEO of wrongdoing before the exams had taken place.
“Mrs. Ayeni has been accused and convicted of an offence which, according to the publication of July 2, 2025, she is planning to commit seven days after she has been found guilty. Can there be a more shocking and unkind miscarriage of justice?” the Council said.
Dalhat emphasized that promotion exams in the civil service follow a rigorous process: approval from the Head of Service (HoS), validation of vacancies, and compliance with tenure on grade level. A Senior Staff Committee, comprising representatives from the Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment, the Federal Civil Service Commission, and the HoS, oversees the process.
According to Dalhat, 102 candidates have been approved to sit for the exams based on merit and eligibility. The list was circulated through a memo dated June 26, 2025, following a Senior Staff Committee meeting held on June 24, 2025.
The NEPC also addressed concerns over promotions for HND holders, reiterating compliance with the civil service circular dated November 7, 2022, which limits career progression for HND holders to SGL 14, unless supplemented by qualifying degrees.
“The forthcoming examinations have not in any way flouted this directive nor do they intend to,” the statement read, adding that humanitarian considerations for stagnated staff are made only with approval from the HoS.
On specific allegations against individuals like Mr. Abayomi Akodu and Mr. Joshua Mani, the Council said neither had sat for the exams, nor been promoted. As for claims about Mr. Salami being a crony, Dalhat noted that he retired a year after Ayeni’s appointment and had no personal ties with her.
Dalhat also clarified that Mrs. Ayeni does not interfere in how the exams are set or marked, stating that questions are prepared and graded by Directors on the day of the exam, with results submitted the same day.
He concluded that no staff has yet been promoted and maintained that nepotism does not apply, since Ayeni has no relatives, friends, or associates within the Council.
“The ED/CEO has no relative, friend or associate at the council and no one is being offered a job or a promotion as a favour,” he stated.
