Merit Foundation Condemns Calls to Prioritize Zoning Over Meritocracy in Public Appointments

The Merit Foundation and the Nigerian Diaspora Merit Compliance Foundation have strongly opposed the prioritization of zoning over meritocracy in public appointments, particularly in institutions like the Nigeria Revenue Service. Dr.

Sani Usman, the Country Director of the Merit Foundation, highlighted the detrimental impact of substituting competence with arbitrary criteria like alphabet sequencing based on state zones. The foundations stressed the need for merit-based appointments to ensure the effectiveness and progress of national institutions.

They criticized the notion of alphabet rotation for appointments, emphasizing the importance of competence, professionalism, and diversity in leadership roles. The statement also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's commitment to inclusive and competent appointments across the six geopolitical zones.

The foundations warned against compromising the integrity of institutions through arbitrary appointment practices and called for a focus on merit, equity, and competence in public appointments.