The case, filed before the Federal High Court, Abuja Judicial Division, is contained in Charge No. FHC/ABJ/CR/772/2026.
In a statement issued on Friday, November 13, 2026, the Commission said the charges followed its efforts to obtain recruitment records, monitor the exercise and ensure compliance with the Federal Character principle.
According to the FCC, the Nigeria Customs Service allegedly committed four violations of the Federal Character Commission (Establishment, etc.) Act, Cap. F7, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
The Commission alleged that the Service failed to provide requested recruitment documents, including nominal rolls, despite a formal request dated March 25, 2026.
It further accused the Customs Service of failing to submit relevant stages of the recruitment process for monitoring and allegedly disregarding its October 23, 2026 directive to suspend certain recruitment and training activities pending review.
The FCC also alleged that the Service failed to provide clear recruitment criteria and comprehensive eligibility guidelines, making it difficult for the Commission to determine the distribution of vacancies across states and geopolitical zones.
Defending its action, the Commission maintained that monitoring recruitment exercises, accessing relevant records and ensuring equitable representation in public appointments were statutory responsibilities that government institutions must respect.
Under the leadership of its Executive Chairman, Hon. Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, the FCC declared that it would not compromise its oversight responsibilities because of institutional pressure or the status of any public office holder.
The Commission stressed that its mandate was not to conduct recruitment for government agencies but to ensure that employment opportunities in the public service were distributed fairly and in accordance with the law.
“The Commission is not a recruitment agency. Our responsibility is to monitor, assess and enforce compliance with the Federal Character principle in public appointments and recruitment,” the statement said.
It added that access to recruitment records, transparent procedures and clearly defined eligibility criteria were necessary for effective monitoring.
The FCC insisted that no ministry, department or agency was above the law or exempt from its statutory oversight responsibilities.
It said the court action demonstrated its determination to move beyond policy declarations and demand practical compliance with the Federal Character principle.
The Commission, however, said it would respect due process, the independence of the judiciary and the constitutional rights of all parties as the matter proceeds before the court.
The statement was signed by Ademola Lawrence, spokesperson of the Federal Character Commission, in Abuja.
