News
House of Reps Committee Urges Increased FCSC Funding for Effective Constitutional Mandate Delivery
Joel Ajayi
Honorable Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC), Prof. Tunji Olaopa appeared before the House of Representatives Committee on Public Service Matters to defend the Commission’s 2026 budget proposal.
He was accompanied by the Commissioner representing AkwaIbom and Cross River States, Ededet Eyoma; the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Emeka Vitalis Obi mni; Directors; Special Advisers; and other senior staff of the Commission.
In a press statement issued on Friday by the Commission’s Acting .Head PPR Florence Dagogo Azike in Abuja reveals that, Prof. Olaopa’s presentation focused on the ongoing difficulty of insufficient budgetary provisions, which have hampered the Commission’s capacity to carry out its constitutional duty on time.
The Chairman emphasized the importance of increased funding to support key operational areas such as upgrading and securing the Commission’s Local Area Network (LAN), conducting computer-based test (CBT) for promotional examinations on time and efficiently, and digitizing recruitment processes to improve transparency and efficiency.
The Chairman stated that the absence of dedicated funds has resulted in unmet expectations for the full execution of the 2024 recruitment waiver.
He said that the ongoing human resource audit across the civil service may discover major vacancies, emphasizing the importance of proper budgetary assistance for recruitment. Prof. Olaopa also voiced worry about the Commission’s incapacity, due to funding constraints, to effectively monitor MDAs designated to recruit, which has resulted in incidents of indiscriminate hiring, hence increased government personnel costs.
He also emphasized the Commission’s backlog of legal duties, including delayed court appearances that resulted in default penalties. He also advocated for better welfare and working circumstances for Commissioners, such as the allocation of official vehicles to support field missions.
The Chairman emphasized the importance of resources for meeting international obligations, particularly as Nigeria prepares to host the 2026 General Assembly and Biennial Conference of the Association of African Public Service Commissions (AAPSCOMS), a significant event that will project Nigeria’s leadership in the global public service community.
In response, Hon. Sani Umar, Chairman of the Committee, admitted that the Commission’s present budgetary allocation falls short of what is needed for optimal performance.
Bala stated that the planned N2.6 billion allocation, which includes N1.24 billion for human costs, would be insufficient for the commission to carry out its essential functions of recruiting, promotion, disciplinary control, and handling of staff appeals.
Following a voice vote among Committee members, he asked the Budget Office of the Federation to examine and amend the FCSC’s allocation to match its operational requirements.
With this commitment from the House Committee on Public Service Matters, the Commission’s leadership expressed confidence that funding constraints would be addressed soon,and the FCSC will effectively carry out its core mandate of recruitment, promotion, and discipline within the federal civil service.
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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