The impact of nepotism on job recruitment in Nigeria
Nepotism is a word that is commonly heard in Nigeria, and it refers to the practice of favoring one’s family members and friends in job recruitment, rather than judging their qualifications and experience.
This practice is common in Nigeria and has been for quite some time, but it is now drawing much scrutiny and criticism from those who believe that it is an unfair and unethical practice that is adversely impacting recruitment in the country.
In this article, we will explore the impact of nepotism on job recruitment in Nigeria.
• Nepotism in Nigeria
Nepotism is a term that has been used to describe the Nigerian job recruitment system for decades.
It is said that there is a ‘connection’ that is needed to get a good job in Nigeria, and this is often about knowing the right people, being related to them, or having a close friendship with them.
The result is that many Nigerians find themselves excluded from the job market due to a lack of these connections.
This practice is not unique to Nigeria, however, it is of particular concern in Nigeria because of the size of its population and the limited number of available jobs.
According to data released by the National Bureau of Statistics in 2020, the unemployment rate in Nigeria is 33.3%, which is a significant increase from the 23.1% rate in 2018.
This means that millions of Nigerians are jobless, and many of those who have jobs are underemployed.
• The Impact of Nepotism
The impact of nepotism on job recruitment in Nigeria has some significant consequences, which we will now explore.
1. Diminished quality of workers
The practice of nepotism in job recruitment in Nigeria has led to a diminished quality of workers, as those who get hired are often those who are not qualified for the job.
As a result, employers have to hire people who do not have the necessary skills to perform their duties properly.
This has a significant impact on the quality of goods and services that employers provide to their customers.
This lack of qualified personnel can hurt the growth and development of businesses and, ultimately, the economy as a whole.
2. Unfair competition
The practice of nepotism in Nigeria leads to an unfair competition, where people who are equally, if not more qualified, than those hired are left out of job opportunities.
This creates an unequal society, where merit and hard work no longer matter, and the focus is on who you know, rather than what you know.
This can be very demoralizing for young Nigerians who have worked hard to get an education and are qualified for job opportunities, only to be turned down because of nepotism.
3. Reduction of productivity
Nepotism has a severe impact on productivity, as people who are not qualified for the job will struggle to perform their duties efficiently.
This can lead to a reduction in output, increased frustration among workers, reducing morale, and ultimately leading to a decline in productivity.
This lack of productivity can lead to low performance in Nigerian companies, which can indirectly impact the Nigerian economy.
4. Lack of innovation
When people who are not qualified for the job are hired, and those who are qualified are left out, there is a lack of innovation in the industry.
Creative solutions often come from people with different backgrounds and expertise.
However, the practice of nepotism can create a stagnant business environment, where new ideas are not welcome.
Solutions to Mitigate Nepotism in Nigeria
The Nigerian government is aware of the problem of nepotism, and they have developed policies to reduce it.
However, they must do more to mitigate the impact of nepotism on job recruitment in the country. Here are some of the solutions that can help reduce nepotism:
1. Merit-Based Recruitment
One of the most effective ways to reduce nepotism in Nigeria is through merit-based recruitment.
Employers should be mandated to follow established guidelines that promote transparency, fairness, and objectivity in the recruitment process.
A merit-based recruitment system will allow job seekers with relevant qualifications to compete and give a fair chance during recruitment exercises.
2. Employee Referral Programs
Employee referral programs can be an excellent way to find qualified job candidates without nepotism.
Employers can create a system where current employees are rewarded for referring qualified candidates, thereby promoting merit-based recruitment.
3. Transparent Hiring Process
National governments and companies should be mandated to make the recruitment process as transparent as possible.
The recruitment process should be open to the public, and candidates should be well-informed about the requirements for a particular job.
This will ensure that the best candidate gets the job and not those who are related or closely associated with those who are recruiting.
