The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Hon. Huluyat Motunrayo Omidiran, has called for the establishment of a special tribunal to prosecute violations of the Federal Character Principle, saying the Commission requires stronger legal backing, improved funding, and operational support to effectively carry out its constitutional mandate.
Omidiran made the appeal on Wednesday during an interactive session between the Federal Character Commission and the Senate Committee on Federal Character and Inter-Governmental Affairs in Abuja.
She said the Commission, despite its strategic role in promoting national unity, fairness, inclusiveness, and stability, has been severely constrained by inadequate budgetary allocations and operational challenges that have hindered its effectiveness.
According to her, the FCC, one of the 14 independent federal executive bodies established under Section 153 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), is constitutionally empowered to supervise and monitor recruitment exercises in Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), while also ensuring the equitable distribution of socio-economic amenities and infrastructural projects across the country.
“The Federal Character Commission plays a vital role in promoting national unity, fairness, inclusiveness, and stability in the execution of government projects and programmes nationwide. However, our effectiveness has been greatly constrained by inadequate funding, particularly under the restrictive envelope budgeting system,” she said.
Omidiran explained that one of the Commission’s core responsibilities is monitoring socio-economic and infrastructural projects across the 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory and the 774 local government areas of the federation, a task that requires regular field inspections, verification exercises and follow-up visits.
She argued that it was inappropriate for the Commission to rely on the same agencies it regulates for logistics and operational support.
“As a constitutional regulatory body, it is inappropriate and ethically compromising for the Commission to depend on the regulated Ministries, Departments and Agencies for logistics and operational support, as this undermines the independence and integrity of its oversight function,” she stated.
The FCC Chairman also lamented the Commission’s inability to undertake regular public enlightenment campaigns and sensitization programmes aimed at educating Nigerians about the Federal Character Principle and its relevance to national development.
She disclosed that financial constraints had also prevented commissioners from carrying out routine oversight visits to their respective states.
“One of our biggest challenges is sensitization and public enlightenment. Nigerians need to understand what the Commission stands for, how it affects their daily lives and how the Federal Character Principle protects their interests. Unfortunately, we have been unable to adequately carry out these programmes because of inadequate funding,” she said.
Omidiran further revealed that the Commission’s operational capacity had been weakened by a lack of vehicles and logistical infrastructure.
“As we speak, none of the commissioners has an official vehicle. The car pool is virtually empty, and even as Executive Chairman, I am managing a fairly used vehicle and hoping it does not break down on my way to and from the office,” she said.
The FCC boss appealed to the Senate Committee to support the Commission’s efforts to secure increased budgetary allocations, additional staffing, improved welfare packages for employees, technological upgrades and operational vehicles.
She also urged lawmakers to support the creation of a special Federal Character Commission Tribunal that would accelerate the prosecution of individuals and institutions found guilty of violating federal character provisions.
According to her, the Commission has already engaged the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation to strengthen its legal department and improve enforcement mechanisms.
Omidiran disclosed that the Commission had commenced the digitization of its recruitment monitoring and compliance systems to enhance transparency and efficiency, noting that a new website was recently launched as part of ongoing reforms.
Earlier, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Federal Character and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Senator Dafinone Ede , expressed concern over persistent allegations of recruitment irregularities, job racketeering and non-compliance with federal character requirements in some government agencies.
The senator said the Committee was worried about reports of manipulated nominal rolls, abuse of waiver provisions and other practices that undermine equitable representation in federal institutions.
He assured the Commission that the Committee would carefully consider its requests for improved funding, staff welfare, operational support and stronger enforcement mechanisms.
“The Federal Character Commission must be adequately empowered, properly funded, accountable and proactive in advancing national unity and inclusion. Every Nigerian must have confidence that there is a place for them in the Nigerian project,” he said.
The interactive session formed part of the Committee’s oversight responsibilities aimed at assessing the challenges facing the Commission and strengthening the implementation of the Federal Character Principle across the country.
