News
Federal Character Commission Gets Senate Nod for Funding Enhancement
Joel Ajayi
The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Hon. Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has called on the Senate to provide stronger legislative support to address funding challenges and enhance the Commission’s enforcement powers, including the establishment of a tribunal to prosecute violations of the Federal Character Principle.
Omidiran made the appeal during an interactive session between the Senate Committee on Federal Character and Intergovernmental Affairs, led by Senator Ede Dafinone, and the management of the Commission at the National Assembly in Abuja on Wednesday.
In her remarks, the FCC Chairman identified inadequate funding and limited enforcement powers as major obstacles preventing the Commission from fully discharging its constitutional responsibilities, noting that resource constraints have adversely affected its operational capacity and oversight functions across the country.
“The Commission requires stronger legislative backing to effectively discharge its constitutional responsibilities. Addressing persistent funding gaps and empowering the FCC with prosecutorial authority will significantly improve compliance and accountability across Ministries, Departments and Agencies,” she said.
“We are also advocating for the establishment of a Federal Character Commission Tribunal to fast-track prosecutions of violations of the Federal Character Principle. Such a tribunal will provide a dedicated platform for enforcement, expedite the prosecution of offenders and serve as a deterrent against breaches of the law,” Omidiran added.
At the meeting, Dafinone reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to strengthening the legal and institutional framework required for the effective implementation of the Federal Character Principle, which he described as a critical instrument for promoting national cohesion, integration and equal opportunity across the country.
The senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District noted that despite the Commission’s constitutional mandate, significant imbalances persist within the public service due to legal, administrative, financial and political constraints, while poor cooperation from some Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) continues to undermine compliance efforts.
“The Committee has observed that many Ministries, Departments and Agencies do not consistently cooperate with the Commission. In several instances, requests for information are ignored, records are inadequately maintained and compliance mechanisms remain weak, undermining the integrity of the Federal Character framework,” Dafinone said.
He added: “As a Committee, we remain committed to strengthening the legal and institutional framework required for effective implementation of the Federal Character Principle. Our objective is not merely compliance, but the creation of a system that inspires confidence, rewards merit and guarantees fairness for all Nigerians.”
Responding to the concerns raised by the FCC Chairman, Dafinone assured the Commission of the committee’s readiness to work with relevant stakeholders to address the challenges limiting its effectiveness. “The issues highlighted by the Commission, particularly funding constraints, weak compliance mechanisms and enforcement limitations, deserve urgent attention. The Committee will work closely with the FCC to strengthen the framework necessary for effective implementation of its constitutional mandate,” he stated.
The meeting ended with a renewed commitment by both the Senate Committee and the FCC to deepen collaboration, addressing funding gaps, close existing loopholes in the implementation of the Federal Character Principle and build stronger enforcement mechanisms capable of addressing violations by non-compliant MDAs.
News
Nigeria at 66: ‘We Must Not Lose Faith in Nigeria’ — FCC Boss Omidiran
Joel Ajayi
The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Honorable Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has called on Nigerians to use the occasion of the nation’s 66th Independence Anniversary to renew their faith in Nigeria, strengthen national unity and recommit themselves to building a more inclusive and prosperous country.
In her 66th Independence Day message, Hon. Omidiran described October 1 as more than a celebration of freedom, saying the anniversary provides an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey, acknowledge its progress and challenges, and renew the collective determination to build a nation where every citizen has a sense of belonging.
According to the FCC Executive Chairman, the Federal Character Principle remains particularly important to the quest for national cohesion because equitable representation promotes a sense of ownership and confidence in the Nigerian project.
“Nigeria is a nation of great diversity and
enormous potential. Our responsibility is to ensure that this diversity becomes a bridge that connects us rather than a barrier that separates us. Every Nigerian deserves to feel that he or she belongs to this country and has a role to play in its development,” Omidiran said.
The FCC boss called on government institutions at all levels to remain committed to fairness, equity, accountability and inclusive governance, while urging citizens to support efforts aimed at strengthening national institutions and promoting peaceful coexistence.
“We must not lose faith in Nigeria. The challenges before us are real, but so are the opportunities and the enormous human and natural resources available to us. Every citizen has a responsibility to contribute his or her own quota to building the Nigeria we desire,” she stated.
The FCC Executive Chairman also urged young Nigerians to remain committed to acquiring knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, sports and other productive ventures, describing the youth as critical stakeholders in the country’s future.
“As we celebrate 66 years of independence, let us remember that the Nigeria we want cannot be built by government alone. It requires the commitment of all of us – leaders and citizens, young and old, from every part of the federation. Together, we can build a Nigeria where justice, fairness, opportunity and peace are available to all,” she said.
Omidiran reaffirmed the FCC’s commitment to the effective discharge of its constitutional mandate and to supporting efforts that promote equitable representation and inclusive national development across the federation.
The former lawmaker wished Nigerians at home and abroad a peaceful and memorable 66th Independence Anniversary, praying for continued peace, stability, prosperity and progress for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Our differences should never be greater than our common identity as Nigerians. Let us continue to choose unity over division, service over self-interest and hope over despair. The Nigeria of our dreams is possible if we all play our part,” Omidiran said.
“On behalf of the Federal Character Commission, I congratulate all Nigerians on this 66th Independence Anniversary. May this occasion renew our patriotism, strengthen our unity and inspire us to work together for a stronger, more equitable and prosperous Nigeria. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she added.
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