Amid growing concerns over regional imbalance in federal appointments, the Federal Character Commission (FCC) has called on the National Assembly to ramp up support for its constitutional mandate of ensuring fairness and inclusivity in public office distribution.
At an interactive session with the House Committee on Federal Character on Tuesday in Abuja, Acting FCC Chairman Hon. Kayode Oladele sounded the alarm over systemic resistance from government agencies, funding shortfalls, and weak enforcement powers—issues he said are hampering the Commission’s ability to promote national cohesion.
“We are tasked with monitoring over 700 MDAs across the country, yet our capacity is being strangled by inadequate funding and non-cooperation from key institutions,” Oladele lamented.
The FCC boss urged lawmakers to support amendments to the Commission’s Establishment Act that would empower it with digital oversight tools, autonomous enforcement powers, and broader auditing authority. He also advocated for joint public awareness campaigns to reinforce the principles of federal character in governance.
Oladele accused some federal and state agencies of deliberately obstructing the Commission’s work, often claiming immunity under their own enabling laws.
“These agencies either dodge oversight or outrightly refuse to comply. It sends a dangerous message that the rules don’t apply to everyone,” he warned.
He described the FCC’s constitutional role as a bulwark against national disunity, stressing that stronger legislative backing is essential to reversing rising public distrust.
“When people feel excluded from the system, they lose faith. A visible, empowered FCC—working hand-in-hand with the National Assembly—can change that,” he said.
In a sharp response, House Committee Chairman Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase affirmed that no agency has the legal standing to sidestep the federal character mandate enshrined in the Constitution.
“Let’s be clear: the FCC is a constitutional body—not a statutory creation. No agency can override Section 14(3) of the 1999 Constitution. Non-compliance is a direct violation of the law,” Wase stated.
He revealed that the Committee has summoned the Minister of Education to explain lopsided appointments in newly established tertiary institutions, where leadership positions were concentrated in a single region.
“We’re reviewing those appointments and considering corrective actions to reflect true federal character balance,” he said.
Wase also condemned recruitment drives conducted without official nominal rolls—practices that bypass the FCC and weaken the transparency of employment into federal service.
“Any agency sidestepping federal character guidelines will face consequences,” he warned.
The Committee pledged stronger oversight and committed to defending the FCC’s constitutional role in ensuring that fairness, balance, and inclusion are not mere aspirations—but working principles in Nigeria’s public service.