Tension is reportedly escalating within the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) as aggrieved staff raise fresh concerns over what they describe as a compromised and ineffective board leadership.
Sources within the Commission told SaharaReporters that about 22 staff members feel cheated, witch-hunted, and unfairly treated, adding that their hope of securing redress from the newly constituted NCC board has all but faded.
According to the sources, confidence in the board’s independence is so low that seeking intervention from it is now viewed as a “utopian” prospect.
Although some affected staff are said to be considering legal action, sources noted that the particular staff member believed to be the primary target of the Executive Vice Chairman’s (EVC) alleged victimization, and regarded internally as the most outspoken, is not currently contemplating litigation.
Persistent Grievances Despite HoS Circular
Staff grievances persist despite a circular issued on July 10, 2025, by the Office of the Head of Service (HoS), which warned Ministries, Departments, and Agencies against breaching established civil service procedures.
Sources said intimidation, victimisation, and disregard for due process have continued under the Commission’s current management.
Multiple insiders alleged that the EVC, alongside the Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management (ECSM), Ms Rimini Makama, has deepened internal divisions through selective appointments, irregular approvals for foreign travels, and measures perceived as punitive toward staff who question management decisions.
These actions, they said, have significantly eroded staff morale and impaired operational efficiency.
Questions Over Board Independence
At the centre of the controversy is the newly constituted NCC board, chaired by Mr Idris Olorunnimbe. Staff members and industry observers have raised questions about the board’s independence, alleging that it may have been compromised even before its formal inauguration.
Among the concerns cited are claims that the board chairman was provided with an official residence in Asokoro and two SUVs, as well as reports of private meetings between him and the EVC without the involvement of other non-executive commissioners.
The disputed promotion examination conducted last year remains a major flashpoint in the crisis. Staff sources described the exercise as flawed, divisive, and inconsistent with established civil service standards.
They alleged that a board member and former NCC director, Mrs Mariam Bayi, had pushed for corrective measures, including a return to the civil service pass mark of 60 per cent, but was subsequently sidelined after insisting on transparency and fairness.
Sources further alleged that the EVC has approached security agencies with complaints against staff perceived as disloyal. They described the moves as politically and ethnically motivated, and unsupported by credible evidence.
“Most of the time, security agencies were told lies against staff and the matter blown out of proportion just to ensure staff are punished unjustly,” a source said.
Legal Action Looming
Following the HoS circular, at least 22 staff members are now preparing to approach the courts to challenge decisions they say were taken in breach of extant rules.
They allege that management’s move to seek board ratification of the disputed actions is a calculated attempt to pre-empt litigation and undermine their chances of securing justice.
“We cannot allow this to continue. They plan to ratify this injustice through the board, but then, the court is the final hope of the common man. We will now proceed to seek redress in court,” a staff member, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said.
Concerns Over Commission’s Credibility
Industry observers warn that the continued internal turmoil, alleged financial irregularities, and the sidelining of experienced personnel may compromise the NCC’s ability to deliver on its regulatory mandate.
Recently, the Presidential Enabling Council for Business (PEBEC) claimed NCC is one of leading agencies complying with the principles.
But staff allege that the Vice President was deceived and was invited to present an award to NCC.
Industry watchers found this ridiculous.
One of them said, “Aside from the irredeemable and deteriorating quality of telecom services, which NCC under Mr. Maida has no solutions to, all stakeholders in the telecom industry have continued to complain about poor services, including basic matters as processing of licenses and applications for approval of services.
“Since the period of Ernest Ndukwe, through late Eugene Juwah and Danbatta, processing applications have clear procedures and timelines and you don’t need to know anyone in NCC to have your applications processed with a specified time.
“All these have changed under Maida as applicants wait endlessly for approval of basic requests.”
“The EVC doesn’t care about the time wasted in processing applications. In fact, the major delays occur in his office. So, it is laughable that an award for compliance with PEBEC will be given to an organisation that repeatedly failed to ensure timely approval of applications,” the source said.
The source further claimed that the incident casts serious doubt on the integrity of the process.
They added that the newly constituted board is expected to institute an objective strategy at the NCC, with clear timelines for all activities, noting that the current vision plan under Maida amounts to little more than a statement of intent that has largely remained unimplemented.
The source said, “Even the basic principles and ethos of the Commission (fairness, firmness and forthrightness) have been implemented in the opposite.
“A commission that approves of serial violation of established rules of public service in staff matters, in fiscal responsibilities and spend money in corrupting processes and standards, jettisoning standard procedures and processes in basic administration can never achieve any success.”
“So, staff and industry watchers expect the new board to take charge of the Commission and stop the recklessness of the last two years since Maida’s appointment,” the source added.
Staff Considering Resignation
Some staff members say the situation has deteriorated to the point where many are considering resignation, fearing that the Commission’s credibility and effectiveness are being eroded.
“Many of us are planning to leave the commission. We are resigning because we can’t put up with a compromised commission that has pushed aside the interests and welfare of the workers,” another staff member said.
Meanwhile, in an earlier statement, Nnenna Kalu, NCC’s head of corporate communications, said that the promotion examinations were conducted for all staff cadres eligible for advancement at the NCC.
She emphasized that the exercise reflected “our commitment to integrity, fairness, and the needs of the industry for competent professionals to drive national objectives.”
“In line with the Public Service Rules, the Commission’s organizational structure and manpower plan, each cadre had a defined number of vacancies, representing the number of personnel the Commission could accommodate at each level,” Kalu said.
“Staff who did not meet the required cut-off, or who passed but for whom vacancies were no longer available at their cadre, could not be promoted.
“Furthermore, the interview panels for staff were composed of credible management staff (drawn from each of the six (6) Geo-Political Zones), in addition to independent external members and representatives from the Federal Character Commission (FCC), who were present to provide oversight and ensure compliance with applicable regulations.”
Controversy Over New Board Meeting
Meanwhile, our source disclosed that the new NCC board is scheduled to meet in Uyo this week, and the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) has allegedly prepared fabricated documents intended to be presented as official management reports.
According to the source, one of these reports is slated to be presented by Nafisa Usman Rugga, who was controversially promoted to the rank of Deputy Director during the disputed March 2025 promotion exercise.
Media reports have continued to highlight Miss Nafisa, who is expected to be appointed Head of Human Capital next year.
“Nafisa was promoted ahead of her senior from South East because she is more malleable to manipulation by Mr. Maida and his Chief of Staff, Ibrahim Galadima,” the source alleged.