FCC Seeks Tribunal, Increased Funding as Senate Pledges Support for Federal Character Enforcement
Oru Leonard
The Federal Character Commission (FCC) has called for stronger legislative backing, improved funding and the establishment of a special tribunal to prosecute violations of the Federal Character Principle, as the Senate pledged support to strengthen the Commission’s enforcement capacity.
The appeal was made by the Executive Chairman of the FCC, Hon. Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, during an interactive session between the Senate Committee on Federal Character and Intergovernmental Affairs and the Commission’s management at the National Assembly in Abuja.
Speaking at the meeting, Omidiran identified inadequate funding and limited enforcement powers as key challenges hindering the Commission from effectively carrying out its constitutional mandate.
She noted that persistent resource constraints have weakened the Commission’s operational capacity and oversight functions nationwide, making it difficult to ensure full compliance with the Federal Character Principle across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
According to her, the Commission requires stronger legislative support to effectively discharge its responsibilities, stressing that addressing funding gaps and granting prosecutorial authority to the FCC would significantly enhance accountability and compliance within government institutions.
Omidiran also advocated the creation of a Federal Character Commission Tribunal, which she said would provide a dedicated platform for prosecuting violations, accelerate the enforcement process and serve as a deterrent against breaches of the law.
Responding, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Federal Character and Intergovernmental Affairs, Senator Ede Dafinone, reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to strengthening the legal and institutional framework necessary for the effective implementation of the Federal Character Principle.
He described the principle as a vital tool for promoting national unity, inclusion and equal opportunities among Nigeria’s diverse population.
Dafinone observed that despite the Commission’s constitutional mandate, imbalances still exist within the public service due to legal, administrative, financial and political challenges. He also expressed concern over what he described as poor cooperation from some MDAs.
According to the senator, many agencies fail to respond to requests for information, maintain inadequate records and operate weak compliance mechanisms, thereby undermining the effectiveness of the Federal Character framework.
He assured the Commission that the Senate Committee would work closely with relevant stakeholders to address funding constraints, improve compliance mechanisms and strengthen enforcement structures.
“The issues highlighted by the Commission, particularly funding constraints, weak compliance mechanisms and enforcement limitations, deserve urgent attention,” Dafinone said, adding that the committee remained committed to building a system that promotes fairness, merit and public confidence.
The meeting concluded with both the Senate Committee and the FCC expressing commitment to deeper collaboration aimed at closing implementation gaps, strengthening enforcement measures and ensuring greater adherence to the Federal Character Principle across government institutions.
