The Senate Committee on Federal Character and Intergovernmental Affairs has expressed deep concern over the persistent underfunding of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), warning that the financial gap is undermining the agency’s ability to fulfill its constitutional mandate.
The legislative support came during the 2026 budget defense session at the National Assembly, where the Commission presented a ₦6.5 billion budget proposal aimed at strengthening its oversight and enforcement capabilities.
The Executive Chairman of the FCC, Hon. Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, informed the Committee that limited resources have severely restricted the Commission’s capacity to monitor and enforce compliance across more than 700 Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
In a statement released by the Commission’s spokesperson, Ademola Lawrence, Hon. Omidiran emphasized that the FCC’s role in ensuring fairness and equal representation is a pillar of national stability.
“Federal Character is a constitutional duty, and we must be equipped to enforce it effectively for the good of national unity,” Omidiran stated. “Without adequate funding, the FCC cannot effectively guarantee balance in federal appointments and public service.”
Responding to the presentation, the Chairman of the Senate Committee, Senator Allwell Heacho, described the current funding levels as a “serious setback” for the nation. He reiterated that the principles of federal character are not discretionary but are legally mandated by the Nigerian Constitution.
“Federal Character is not optional. It is backed by the Constitution,” Senator Heacho remarked. “The Commission responsible for enforcing it must be properly funded to deliver. We are committed to supporting the FCC to strengthen its operations and improve accountability across all government institutions.”
With aligned support from both the Senate and House Committees, the FCC is poised to:
Enhance Monitoring: Scale up inspections across the 700+ MDAs to ensure equitable job distribution.
Enforce Compliance: Implement stricter measures against agencies failing to adhere to federal character principles.
Promote Equity: Ensure that every part of the federation feels a sense of belonging in the public service sector.
The Commission’s 2026 roadmap focuses on leveraging improved funding to ensure that no region or interest group is marginalized in the distribution of federal resources and opportunities.
