The Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC) has issued a strong warning regarding a viral job recruitment list circulating on social media. The commission stated that the list, which claims to announce shortlisted candidates for a recent recruitment exercise, is entirely fictitious and did not originate from the commission.
The statement was released on Sunday by Tunji Olaopa, the Chairman of FCSC, via the social media platform X. Olaopa clarified that the information being shared online is false and advised members of the public to disregard it.
“The attention of the Civil Service Commission has been drawn to a publication circulating on various social media and online platforms, sending spurious invites to inform candidates of being shortlisted for the FCSC job recruitment that closed on March 17, 2025,” the commission’s statement read.
According to FCSC, the list being shared is a scam designed to deceive individuals seeking government employment. The commission emphasized that these fake lists are part of a broader fraudulent scheme by criminals looking to exploit job seekers.
“These publications are fictitious and should be disregarded,” Olaopa stated, urging Nigerians not to be misled by such deceptive messages. “The commission cautions the public to be wary of fake recruitment syndicates and racketeers who are requesting payments from people in exchange for alleged job offers.”
The FCSC also assured Nigerians that under no circumstances would the commission ask candidates to pay any money for recruitment or job placement. This warning is particularly significant as fraudulent job syndicates often ask for payment in exchange for “guaranteed” positions or promises of successful recruitment.
The statement further clarified that whenever the official shortlist for the FCSC recruitment process is ready, the commission would announce it through the proper channels. The shortlist would be published on the FCSC’s official website and through other trusted media platforms, ensuring that the public receives accurate information.
“For the avoidance of doubt, whenever the commission officially concludes the shortlist exercise, candidates shortlisted will be informed, and also publicly announced through various media platforms and on the commission’s website,” the statement said.
The announcement comes after widespread panic and confusion among Nigerians following the circulation of the fake job list. Many people who had applied for positions within the federal civil service had been led to believe they were selected based on the fraudulent documents. Some individuals even reported receiving messages from supposed “recruiters” asking for money to process their applications.
The FCSC’s statement is part of a broader effort to safeguard potential applicants from falling victim to scammers. The commission has encouraged anyone who encounters such fraudulent offers to report them to the authorities and avoid engaging with those behind the fake recruitment schemes.
This incident highlights the growing concern over online job scams in Nigeria, where many job seekers are vulnerable to fraudulent activities. With the increasing number of people searching for government jobs in the country, scammers often take advantage of the high demand for employment by tricking hopeful applicants into paying for non-existent opportunities.
The FCSC’s warning is a reminder for Nigerians to remain cautious when interacting with online job offers. It is essential for people to verify job postings and recruitment announcements through official channels before taking any further action, especially when asked to make payments.
The Federal Civil Service Commission is the body responsible for overseeing the recruitment and appointment of employees into the federal civil service. It manages job vacancies, handles the recruitment process, and ensures that candidates are selected based on merit and qualifications. The commission frequently carries out recruitment exercises for various positions within the government.
The recruitment exercise that closed on March 17, 2025, which the viral shortlist supposedly refers to, was part of the FCSC’s routine process to fill vacant positions across different ministries and agencies. However, no official communication has been made regarding any successful candidates, and it is likely that the recruitment process is still ongoing.
In the past, the FCSC has been a reliable authority in conducting transparent recruitment exercises. The commission ensures that all recruitment processes are carried out fairly and in line with established guidelines. It has repeatedly emphasized that its recruitment processes are free of charge, and candidates should not pay anyone, whether through intermediaries or recruitment agents, to secure a job.
This message of caution and vigilance is crucial, especially in a climate where fraudulent recruitment schemes have been on the rise. Scammers often exploit the desperation of job seekers, taking advantage of their eagerness to find work by offering fake job opportunities. As a result, many innocent individuals are left disappointed, financially drained, and with little recourse.
To avoid falling victim to such scams, the FCSC has advised the following steps for job seekers:
1. Verify Job Announcements: Always confirm job announcements through official channels such as the FCSC website, government portals, and trusted media outlets. Be cautious of job offers that only appear on social media or less reputable platforms.
2. Do Not Pay Fees: Never pay money for recruitment purposes. The FCSC and other government bodies do not charge candidates for job applications or recruitment. Any request for payment should raise red flags.
3. Report Suspicious Activities: If you encounter any suspicious recruitment activities or receive fraudulent offers, report them immediately to the relevant authorities. This includes reporting to the FCSC, the police, or other law enforcement agencies.
4. Be Wary of Personal Information Requests: Be cautious when sharing personal information online, especially with unverified sources. Scammers often ask for sensitive details to steal identities or commit fraud.
As the recruitment process continues, the FCSC has reassured Nigerians that they are working to ensure fairness and transparency. In the meantime, it is crucial for all job seekers to stay informed, exercise caution, and rely on official sources of information.
