FIC Report (Benue State) – The Benue State Local Government Service Commission (LGSC) has reaffirmed its commitment to a transparent and credible screening exercise aimed at reinstating local government workers disengaged in 2017 under the previous administration.
Chairman of the Commission, Mr. James Ivever, made this known on Wednesday 5 November 2025 during a press briefing held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) House, Makurdi.
Ivever explained that the exercise, initiated by Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration, seeks to address irregularities surrounding the removal of workers who were legitimately employed between 2011 and 2012 but later removed from the payroll without due process.
He disclosed that 3,862 workers were duly approved and documented during the 2011–2012 recruitment, adding that only those captured in the official records would be considered for reinstatement. According to him, the Commission is relying solely on verified approval documents rather than appointment letters, some of which were reportedly forged.
The LGSC chairman dismissed allegations of name substitution as baseless, stressing that the process was designed to identify only genuine employees who are alive, still within the age of Employment. He added that a special desk had been set up to handle exceptional cases and ensure fairness.
Ivever further noted that the Commission had engaged representatives of the affected workers to harmonize the process, clarifying that issues regarding arrears would be handled by appropriate financial authorities. He emphasized that Governor Alia’s administration remains committed to fairness, transparency, and accountability in the civil service. He informed the media that those who were not legitimately employed are the ones who want to tarnish the reputation of the commission, he called on the media to disregard them.
In his remarks, the NUJ State Chairman, Comrade Bemdoo Ugber, commended the Commission and the state government for addressing the plight of the affected workers and assured the Union’s continued support for transparent reporting.
Also speaking, NUJ National Trustee, Comrade Nancy Orshi, lauded the Commission’s efforts and encouraged ongoing collaboration with the media to keep the public informed on developments.
Signed
Bridget Udoo Tarker
For Head of Centre
FIC Makurdi
