News
House of Reps Committee Urges Increased FCSC Funding for Effective Constitutional Mandate Delivery
Joel Ajayi
Honorable Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC), Prof. Tunji Olaopa appeared before the House of Representatives Committee on Public Service Matters to defend the Commission’s 2026 budget proposal.
He was accompanied by the Commissioner representing AkwaIbom and Cross River States, Ededet Eyoma; the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Emeka Vitalis Obi mni; Directors; Special Advisers; and other senior staff of the Commission.
In a press statement issued on Friday by the Commission’s Acting .Head PPR Florence Dagogo Azike in Abuja reveals that, Prof. Olaopa’s presentation focused on the ongoing difficulty of insufficient budgetary provisions, which have hampered the Commission’s capacity to carry out its constitutional duty on time.
The Chairman emphasized the importance of increased funding to support key operational areas such as upgrading and securing the Commission’s Local Area Network (LAN), conducting computer-based test (CBT) for promotional examinations on time and efficiently, and digitizing recruitment processes to improve transparency and efficiency.
The Chairman stated that the absence of dedicated funds has resulted in unmet expectations for the full execution of the 2024 recruitment waiver.
He said that the ongoing human resource audit across the civil service may discover major vacancies, emphasizing the importance of proper budgetary assistance for recruitment. Prof. Olaopa also voiced worry about the Commission’s incapacity, due to funding constraints, to effectively monitor MDAs designated to recruit, which has resulted in incidents of indiscriminate hiring, hence increased government personnel costs.
He also emphasized the Commission’s backlog of legal duties, including delayed court appearances that resulted in default penalties. He also advocated for better welfare and working circumstances for Commissioners, such as the allocation of official vehicles to support field missions.
The Chairman emphasized the importance of resources for meeting international obligations, particularly as Nigeria prepares to host the 2026 General Assembly and Biennial Conference of the Association of African Public Service Commissions (AAPSCOMS), a significant event that will project Nigeria’s leadership in the global public service community.
In response, Hon. Sani Umar, Chairman of the Committee, admitted that the Commission’s present budgetary allocation falls short of what is needed for optimal performance.
Bala stated that the planned N2.6 billion allocation, which includes N1.24 billion for human costs, would be insufficient for the commission to carry out its essential functions of recruiting, promotion, disciplinary control, and handling of staff appeals.
Following a voice vote among Committee members, he asked the Budget Office of the Federation to examine and amend the FCSC’s allocation to match its operational requirements.
With this commitment from the House Committee on Public Service Matters, the Commission’s leadership expressed confidence that funding constraints would be addressed soon,and the FCSC will effectively carry out its core mandate of recruitment, promotion, and discipline within the federal civil service.
News
Eagle Times Newspaper Will Be Voice for Nigerians – Publisher Chukwunyere Vows
Joel Ajayi
The Publisher of The Eagle Times Nigeria, Sir Ikechukwu Chukwunyere, has pledged that the newspaper will promote accountability, credible journalism and public-interest reporting in its coverage of national affairs.
Chukwunyere made the commitment on Thursday, October 1, 2026, during the official unveiling and launch of The Eagle Times Nigeria.
He said the new media organisation was established not merely to add another newspaper to Nigeria’s media landscape, but to provide a platform committed to serving the public interest.
According to him, the newspaper’s guiding philosophy, “The Voice for the People, The Watchdog for the Nation,” places a responsibility on the organisation to listen to Nigerians, tell their stories, highlight issues affecting their daily lives and scrutinise those entrusted with public responsibilities.
“To be a voice for the people means that we must listen to Nigerians, tell their stories, highlight their concerns and give visibility to issues that affect their daily lives,” he said.
The publisher added that The Eagle Times would be guided by accuracy, fairness, professionalism, credibility and responsible journalism, stressing that the newspaper would not publish stories merely because they were sensational.
“We will verify. We will investigate. We will seek the other side. We will correct our mistakes when we make them,” he said.
Chukwunyere further stated that the newspaper would endeavour to give individuals and organisations the opportunity to respond whenever allegations were made against them.
“Our commitment is not to any political party, government or individual. Our primary commitment is to journalism, to truth and to the Nigerian public,” he said.
He noted that the newspaper was launching at a time when the media industry was undergoing rapid transformation, with audiences increasingly consuming news through digital platforms, including websites, television, podcasts and social media.
He said The Eagle Times would therefore operate as a multimedia organisation, combining its newspaper with digital platforms and The Eagle Times TV to reach audiences across different channels.
According to him, the organisation also intends to create opportunities for young journalists, writers, photographers, producers, digital creators and other media professionals to develop their skills and contribute to journalism and national development.
Chukwunyere said the newspaper’s coverage would include politics, governance, business, economy, security, judiciary, education, health, technology, sports, entertainment, lifestyle and international affairs.
He, however, said the organisation intended to distinguish itself not only by the subjects it covered but by the quality and approach of its journalism.
We want to tell stories that matter, we want to investigate issues that require investigation, we want to highlight Nigerians who are making a difference, and we want to give communities that are often ignored an opportunity to be heard,” he said.
The publisher acknowledged the challenges involved in establishing a newspaper, saying the venture required investment, commitment, professional discipline and the courage to pursue an idea.
He expressed appreciation to the management, editorial, reporting, production and digital teams, as well as families, friends, partners and supporters who contributed to the establishment of the organisation.
Chukwunyere also assured readers, viewers and the newspaper’s digital audience that The Eagle Times would strive to earn their trust and remain accountable to the standards it had set for itself.
He said the newspaper’s success would not be measured only by circulation figures, website traffic or social media followers, but also by the confidence Nigerians placed in its journalism.
“Today, we spread our wings. Today, The Eagle Times takes flight,” he said, reaffirming the newspaper’s commitment to its slogan: “The Voice for the People, The Watchdog for the Nation.”
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