By Joy Odor
The Senate Committee on Federal Character and Intergovernmental Affairs has launched an investigation into Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) over alleged widespread non-compliance with the Federal Character Principle.
Recall that the principle, enshrined in Section 14(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), requires public institutions to reflect Nigeria’s Federal character in appointments and infrastructure distribution.
The Committee Chairman, Senator Allwell Heacho Onyesoh during his address at the public hearing of the MDAs involving interactive sessions, and oversight visits to verify claims of imbalance, lamented that persistent disregard for this principle has led to marginalization and public distrust in governance.
Senator Onyesoh criticized the Federal Character Commission (FCC) for ineffective enforcement and proposed establishing a Federal Character Compliance Tribunal to strengthen enforcement mechanisms.
He emphasized the Committee’s goal of fostering accountability, equity, and trust in national institutions.
The Lawmaker urged stakeholders, including MDAs, civil society organizations, and the public, to cooperate with the investigation, warning that it will invoke its constitutional powers to compel cooperation if necessary.
According to him, at the end of the public hearing, a comprehensive report with actionable recommendations, including potential amendments to the Federal Character Commission Act, will be submitted to the Senate.
“The Committee’s approach is not punitive, but corrective,” he explained. “We aim to foster accountability, reinforce equity, and restore trust in our national institutions
“The principle is fundamental to our national cohesion,” he said. “Sadly, systemic abuse and ineffective enforcement have made this principle more honoured in the breach than in observance mechanism.
“To my colleagues on this Committee: let us discharge this duty with diligence and impartiality. Our collective resolve today can help shape a more equitable future for Nigeria” he said.
Senator Allwell Heacho Onyesoh address reads:
AT THE INAUGURAL SESSION OF THE INVESTIGATIVE HEARING ON NON-COMPLIANCE WITH THE FEDERAL CHARACTER PRINCIPLE
Held Wednesday, 14th May, 2025 at the Senate Conference Room 022, National Assembly Complex, Abuja
Protocols.
It is with a deep sense of national responsibility that I welcome you all to this inaugural session of the investigative hearing mandated by the Senate to examine the level of compliance by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) with the Federal Character Principle—particularly in appointments and infrastructural development across Nigeria.
I must first commend the President of the Senate, His Excellency, Senator Godswill Akpabio, GCON, for his steadfast commitment to equity, inclusion, and unity. His leadership has paved the way for this vital national task.
As enshrined in Section 14(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Federal Character Principle is fundamental to our national cohesion. It mandates that governance must reflect the diversity of our federation to prevent domination by any one group or region. Sadly, systemic abuse and ineffective enforcement have made this principle more honoured in the breach than in observance.
Persistent non-compliance by many MDAs in both recruitment and infrastructure allocation has fueled marginalization and deepened discontent.
The Federal Character Commission, despite its legal powers, has struggled with enforcement. This reality calls for urgent reforms—possibly including a Federal Character Compliance Tribunal—to ensure that violations are meaningfully addressed.
This Committee will pursue its mandate through rigorous investigative hearings, interactive sessions, and, where necessary, on-the-spot assessments.
Our approach is not punitive, but corrective. We aim to foster accountability, reinforce equity, and restore trust in our national institutions.
We call on all stakeholders—MDAs, civil society, and the public—to support this process. Full cooperation is expected, and the Committee will not hesitate to invoke its constitutional powers under Sections 88 and 89 where necessary.
At the end of this process, we shall present a comprehensive report to the Senate with actionable recommendations—proposals that may include strengthening enforcement provisions within the Federal Character Commission Act.
To my colleagues on this Committee: let us discharge this duty with diligence and impartiality. Our collective resolve today can help shape a more equitable future for Nigeria.
Thank you all, and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
