Tensions are rising at the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) ahead of its 2025 promotion exercise scheduled for July 9–11, as some staff and stakeholders have accused the Executive Director, Nonye Ayeni, of nepotism, abuse of office, and flouting civil service procedures.

The aggrieved staff allege that Ayeni manipulated the promotion process by selecting only 14 out of 102 eligible candidates, allegedly sidelining more qualified staff in favour of individuals perceived to be close to her.

“There is a growing sense that Mrs. Ayeni runs the Council like her personal business,” said one of the concerned staff in documents made available to journalists in Ilorin. “She discards federal circulars and acts as if she embodies the powers of the Head of Service, the Federal Civil Service Commission, and the National Council on Establishments combined.”

The staff also accused Ayeni of deploying unqualified individuals into senior positions and reassigning others to roles outside their professional fields, which they claim has created confusion and discontent within the organisation. Of particular concern is the alleged redeployment of a certified procurement officer, Rilwanu Salisu Kallamu, who was reassigned from his procurement role to a trade promotion post in Port Harcourt. They claim this was done to replace him with someone from the same ethnic group as Ayeni, who they say lacks the required qualifications.

Another concern raised involves the eligibility criteria used for the upcoming promotion exercise. The aggrieved staff referenced a 2021 civil service circular stating that only academic qualifications—not professional certificates—can be used for advancement in public service. They allege that some candidates on the promotion list do not meet this requirement, and were previously excluded from similar exercises.

In response, the NEPC denied any wrongdoing, describing the accusations as “egregious and blatant misinformation and a poor understanding of how promotion examinations are conducted in the civil service.”

In a statement signed by Lawal Shehu Dalhat, Director of Policy and Strategy, the Council explained that promotion procedures are strictly guided by civil service protocols. Dalhat emphasized that “one person, ED/CEO, cannot unilaterally promote staff.”

According to Dalhat, “Last year, 74 staff members sat for the promotion exams, 49 passed, and all were promoted. The process was free of bias and conducted according to civil service rules.”

He detailed that promotion examinations begin with a formal request to the Head of Service, who must approve the number of vacancies and confirm that candidates meet statutory requirements, including time spent at their current grade level.

Dalhat added that the Senior Staff Committee—which includes the ED/CEO, Council directors, and representatives from the Office of the Head of Civil Service, Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment, and the Federal Civil Service Commission—oversees the entire process.

He confirmed that the committee met on June 24, 2025, and the circular listing 102 eligible candidates was issued on June 26. “As at the time of writing, not a single complaint has been received,” Dalhat said.

The NEPC maintained that the promotion process remains transparent and within the boundaries of established civil service procedures. The Council also reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism and meritocracy.