The Nigerian Senate has taken a significant step towards ensuring equitable representation in government by screening thirty-eight nominees for the Federal Character Commission (FCC).
Commitment to Fairness and Inclusiveness
Following the screening exercise, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Federal Character and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Senator Allwell Heacho Onyesoh, addressed the press. He reaffirmed the upper chamber's dedication to the core values of the FCC, which are to promote fairness, equity, and inclusiveness in federal appointments and the distribution of national resources. Senator Onyesoh, representing Rivers East, described the process as successful and confirmed that the committee's report will be presented to the full Senate in the coming days for final consideration and confirmation.
Rigorous Screening Process for Nominees
The nominees, whose screening was initiated by a request from President Bola Tinubu, include Hon. (Mrs.) Ayo Hulayat Omidiran from Osun State, who was nominated as Chairman of the Commission. She was screened alongside thirty-seven other individuals nominated as commissioners representing various states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
According to a statement from Peter Oriri, Special Adviser to the committee chairman on Publicity and Communications, the screening was thorough. He detailed that the committee conducted extensive due diligence on all nominees. This process included obtaining security clearances, such as Police fingerprint reports, and verifying their asset declarations with the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB).
Furthermore, the committee assessed the readiness and competency of each nominee to uphold the principles of federal character as enshrined in the 1999 constitution of Nigeria (as amended). President Tinubu's official request for the screening was read during the Senate plenary session on Tuesday, October 14, 2025.
Next Steps for Federal Appointments
The committee has now completed its mandate and is set to submit its findings to the Senate. The upcoming legislative action will involve the Senate's deliberation on the report, leading to the final confirmation of the nominees. This process is critical for ensuring that the Federal Character Commission is fully constituted to carry out its vital role in promoting national unity and balanced development.
