The Senate Committee on Federal Character and Inter-Governmental Affairs has expressed concern over persistent recruitment irregularities, weak compliance with federal character requirements, and the operational challenges facing the Federal Character Commission (FCC).
Speaking during an interactive session with the Commission in Abuja on Wednesday, the Chairman of the Committee, Senator Dafinone Ede said the Federal Character Principle remains a critical constitutional mechanism for promoting national unity, inclusion, and equal opportunity across Nigeria.
Dafinone noted that despite the constitutional mandate of the Commission, significant imbalances continue to exist in the public service, while several Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) have failed to fully cooperate with the FCC in carrying out its oversight functions.
According to him, instances where MDAs ignore requests for information, maintain inadequate records, or circumvent recruitment procedures undermine the integrity of the federal character framework and frustrate efforts aimed at ensuring equitable representation across the federation.
He also raised concerns over growing allegations of recruitment irregularities and job racketeering within parts of the public service, warning that such claims, whether substantiated or not, erode public confidence in government institutions.
The Committee further expressed concern over loopholes allegedly exploited by some MDAs through the manipulation of nominal rolls and misuse of waiver provisions to bypass established recruitment processes.
“Institutions entrusted with safeguarding equity must themselves remain above reproach. The Federal Character Principle is not merely about compliance but about ensuring fairness, transparency, and national cohesion,” the Chairman said.
Responding to questions from lawmakers, the Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission Hon. Huluyat Motunrayo Omidiran painted a grim picture of the agency’s operational realities, attributing many of its challenges to inadequate funding and the limitations imposed by the envelope budgeting system.
She explained that the FCC, one of the constitutional bodies established under Section 153 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), is mandated not only to supervise and monitor recruitment exercises in federal institutions but also to oversee the equitable distribution of socio-economic amenities and infrastructural projects across the country.
According to her, the Commission operates from its headquarters in Abuja and maintains offices in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with a workforce of over 1,100 staff members.
The FCC Chairman lamented that inadequate budgetary allocations have severely constrained the Commission’s ability to carry out critical activities such as field inspections, project monitoring, public enlightenment campaigns, and monthly oversight visits to states.
One of the Commission’s core responsibilities, She said, involves monitoring federal projects and socio-economic interventions across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas, a task that requires regular field operations and substantial logistical support.
“It is inappropriate for a constitutional regulatory body to depend on the same agencies it is expected to regulate for logistics and operational support. Such dependence compromises our independence and oversight functions,” he told the Committee.
The FCC Chairman disclosed that the Commission has been unable to conduct regular sensitization and public awareness campaigns due to funding constraints, despite the need to educate Nigerians on the role and importance of the Federal Character Principle.
She further revealed that operational challenges have been compounded by the near-total depletion of the Commission’s vehicle fleet.
“As we speak, none of the commissioners has an official vehicle. The car pool is virtually empty, and I am managing a fairly used vehicle as Executive Chairman, hoping it does not break down on my way to and from the office,” he said.
The Commission also appealed for improved staff welfare, enhanced salary structures, job-specific allowances, additional staffing, and technological support to strengthen its operations.
The FCC Chairman called on the Senate to support the establishment of a special Federal Character Commission Tribunal to expedite the prosecution of individuals and institutions that violate federal character provisions.
She disclosed that the Commission had already initiated discussions with the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation to strengthen its legal department and improve enforcement capacity.
The Commission also highlighted ongoing efforts to digitize recruitment monitoring and compliance systems, noting that it recently launched a new website as part of broader reforms aimed at improving transparency and efficiency.
In his response, the Senate Committee Chairman assured the Commission that lawmakers would give serious consideration to its requests, including improved funding, operational vehicles, technological infrastructure, staff welfare, and stronger enforcement mechanisms.
He reiterated the Committee’s commitment to strengthening the legal and institutional framework required for the effective implementation of the Federal Character Principle.
“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 forms part of the Committee’s oversight responsibilities aimed at assessing the performance, challenges, and operational needs of federal institutions charged with promoting equity and national cohesion.
