By Our Reporter
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Hon. Huluyat Motunrayo Omidiran, has called for the establishment of a special tribunal to prosecute violations of the Federal Character Principle, warning that inadequate funding and operational challenges are undermining the Commission’s ability to effectively discharge its constitutional responsibilities.
Omidiran made the appeal on Wednesday during an interactive session between the Federal Character Commission and the Senate Committee on Federal Character and Inter-Governmental Affairs in Abuja.
She said the Commission, despite playing a critical role in promoting national unity, fairness, inclusiveness and stability, has been hampered by inadequate budgetary allocations and limitations imposed by the current envelope budgeting system.
According to her, the FCC is one of the 14 independent federal executive bodies established under Section 153 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), with the mandate to monitor recruitment exercises in Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and ensure equitable distribution of socio-economic amenities and infrastructural projects across the federation.
“The Federal Character Commission plays a vital role in promoting national unity, fairness, inclusiveness, and stability in the execution of government projects and programmes nationwide. However, our effectiveness has been greatly constrained by inadequate funding, particularly under the restrictive envelope budgeting system,” she said.
Omidiran explained that the Commission is responsible for monitoring federal projects and interventions across the 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory and the country’s 774 local government areas, a responsibility that requires regular field inspections, verification exercises and compliance monitoring.
She argued that it was inappropriate for the FCC to depend on the same agencies it regulates for logistics and operational support, saying such an arrangement compromises its independence and oversight functions.
“As a constitutional regulatory body, it is inappropriate and ethically compromising for the Commission to depend on the regulated Ministries, Departments and Agencies for logistics and operational support, as this undermines the independence and integrity of its oversight function,” she stated.
The FCC boss also lamented the Commission’s inability to conduct sustained public enlightenment and sensitisation campaigns due to funding constraints.
According to her, many Nigerians remain unaware of the objectives and benefits of the Federal Character Principle, making public education a crucial component of the Commission’s mandate.
“One of our biggest challenges is sensitization and public enlightenment. Nigerians need to understand what the Commission stands for, how it affects their daily lives and how the Federal Character Principle protects their interests. Unfortunately, we have been unable to adequately carry out these programmes because of inadequate funding,” she said.
Omidiran further revealed that the Commission’s operational capacity has been severely weakened by a shortage of vehicles and other logistical resources.
“As we speak, none of the commissioners has an official vehicle. The car pool is virtually empty, and even as Executive Chairman, I am managing a fairly used vehicle and hoping it does not break down on my way to and from the office,” she disclosed.
She appealed to the Senate Committee to support the Commission’s requests for increased funding, improved staff welfare, additional personnel, operational vehicles and modern technological infrastructure to enhance its effectiveness.
The FCC Chairman also urged lawmakers to support the creation of a special Federal Character Commission Tribunal that would fast-track the prosecution of individuals, institutions and agencies found guilty of violating federal character provisions.
She disclosed that the Commission had already begun discussions with the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation to strengthen its legal department and improve enforcement capabilities.
As part of ongoing reforms, Omidiran said the FCC has commenced the digitisation of its recruitment monitoring and compliance processes to improve transparency, accountability and efficiency. She added that a new website had recently been launched to support the initiative.
Earlier in his remarks, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Federal Character and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Senator Dafinone Ede, expressed concern over recurring allegations of recruitment irregularities, job racketeering and non-compliance with federal character requirements in some government institutions.
The senator said the committee was particularly worried about reports of manipulated nominal rolls, abuse of waiver provisions and other practices that undermine equitable representation in federal establishments.
He assured the Commission that lawmakers would carefully examine its requests, including improved funding, operational support, enhanced staff welfare and stronger enforcement mechanisms.
“The Federal Character Commission must be adequately empowered, properly funded, accountable and proactive in advancing national unity and inclusion. Every Nigerian must have confidence that there is a place for them in the Nigerian project,” Dafinone said.
The interactive session formed part of the Senate Committee’s oversight activities aimed at assessing the operational challenges facing the Commission and strengthening the implementation of the Federal Character Principle across Nigeria.
