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 strengthen the Commission's enforcement powers. During an interactive session with the Senate Committee on Federal Character and Intergovernmental Affairs, led by Senator Ede Dafinone, held in Abuja, Omidiran highlighted the need for a Federal Character Commission Tribunal to prosecute violations of the Federal Character Principle.
Funding and Enforcement Challenges
Omidiran identified inadequate funding and limited enforcement powers as major obstacles preventing the Commission from fully discharging its constitutional responsibilities. According to a statement by the FCC's spokesperson, Ademola Lawrence, these issues remain persistent barriers to effective compliance and accountability across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
Omidiran stated: "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. 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."
Senate Committee's Commitment
Senator Dafinone reaffirmed the committee's commitment to strengthening the legal and institutional framework for effective implementation of the Federal Character Principle, describing it as a critical instrument for promoting national cohesion, integration and equal opportunity. He noted that despite the Commission's constitutional mandate, significant imbalances persist in the public service due to legal, administrative, financial and political constraints, while poor cooperation from some MDAs continues to undermine compliance efforts.
Dafinone said: "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. 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."
Way Forward
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. He added: "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."
The meeting ended with a renewed commitment by both the Senate Committee and the FCC to deepen collaboration, address 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.
