News

HoCSF Debunks Allegation of Extorted 23Million From 92 Applicants Permanent Secretary Posting

Published

3 years ago

October 21, 2023

By Joel Ajayi Abuja

…Demands retraction within 24 hours to avoid legal action

Nigeria’s Head of the Civil Service of the Federation has debunked reports spreading around, especially from Sahara Reporters who allegedly did a report saying that HoCSF extorted 23millions from 92 Applicants Vying for the Post of Permanent Secretaries and planned to Manipulate Posting to Ministries.

In a statement issued by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation Director, Communications, M. A. Ahmed on Friday in Abuja.

According to the statement, “The attention of the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) has been drawn to a frivolous allegation labeled against the person of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan, CFR, by your medium via an online news story published on 20th October 2023 with the above misleading heading.

“The unfounded report alleged that the HoCSF compelled ninety-two (92) applicants participating in the ongoing selection process for the appointment of Federal Permanent Secretaries to pay the sum of N250,000 (Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) each for a one-week training programme commencing from 23rd to 28th October 2023 at the Public Service Institute of Nigeria (PSIN).

“It is imperative to state here that the course fee was not determined by the OHCSF nor is it paid into the Office‘s account. Training and retraining of Civil Servants is the core mandate of PSIN and the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON) and as such, monies for such are paid directly into the aforementioned training institutions’ NUBAN account, linked to the Federal Government’s Treasury Single Account (TSA).

“It may also interest Sahara Reporters to know that the said training is the fifth in the series since its inception and, most importantly, it is optional. As such, it is the prerogative of the prospective candidate to pay and participate or not. It is aimed at freshening, as well as sharpening their skills and competencies. There is no penalty for non-participation.

“For the avoidance of doubt and the records, the process for the selection of Federal Permanent Secretaries is segmented, rigorous, and transparent.

“The medium is advised to come for tutelage on the process and posting of Permanent Secretaries rather than relying on allegations and misinformation. This is highly unethical, to say the least.

“It is rather unfortunate that due diligence was not done by Sahara Reporters before this publication. It was written with the sole aim of misinforming the general public for reasons best known to them.

“In view of the above-stated facts, you are requested to retract the said false, damaging, and libelous report, put the records in proper perspective, as well as apologize within 24 hours to avoid legal action, please.”

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AWESSA 2026: Customs Assures Border Cooperation for Women Entrepreneurs

Published

8 hours ago

October 25, 2026

The Gleamer

By James Samuel, Abuja

The Nigeria Customs Service has said the nation’s borders must become gateways of opportunity for African women entrepreneurs, not obstacles that kill their businesses.

This was disclosed at the African Women’s Economic Sovereignty Summit and Awards (AWESSA) 2026 held at the Customs House, corporate headquarters of the Nigeria Customs Service in Abuja.

Representing the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, his representative, an Assistant Controller, said hosting the summit inside Customs premises was deliberate.

“That this summit holds within the Customs premises is no accident. It is a statement of intent,” he said.

“The border is where the promise of every African trader either comes alive or dies quietly. And the men and women of this Service have resolved that for every woman entrepreneur of this continent, that promise will never die.”

He said women account for an estimated 70% of informal cross-border trade in Africa and over half of agricultural labour, yet they face documentation, standards, finance and harassment challenges.

“Too often she meets the border as an obstacle rather than a gateway. Because she trades in small volumes, in cash, in informality without formal papers, capable business women are now trapped in informality, invisible to trade statistics,” he noted.

He added: “AfCFTA will not be delivered by treaties alone. It will be delivered at border posts, in conference halls, and in market stores.”

Also speaking, the Executive Director of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, Mrs. Nonye Ayeni, represented by a Director, said women are central to Nigeria’s non-oil export sector.

According to her, NEPC’s focus is now on building export- ready competitive enterprises through programmes like the Women in Export Initiative, Export Clinic, and Zero to Export.

“Our focus is no longer on encouraging exports alone, it is on building competitive export-ready enterprises. We are supporting women to move beyond production into value addition, quality assurance, standard compliance, branding and market positioning,” she said.

She said AfCFTA offers a market of over one billion people, but women need knowledge, certifications and institutional support.

“Empowering women economically is one of the most effective tools for achieving poverty reduction, food security, job creation and inclusive growth,” she stated.

The Convener, Helen Okon, who is the Publisher of Business Review Africa & Africa Today Magazine, as well as representatives of NAFDAC DG and NEXIM Bank MD, reaffirmed commitment to supporting women-owned businesses access standards, certification and finance.

The summit, with the theme of positioning women as drivers of trade and sustainable development, is part of activities marking the International Year of the Women Farmer.

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