The Nigerian Senate has launched an investigation into the widespread abuse of the federal character principle across federal ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs). During Tuesday’s plenary session, lawmakers resolved to examine allegations of systemic violations in recruitment, promotion, and infrastructural development, aiming to ensure compliance with Sections 14(3) and 14(4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
The Senate has tasked its Committee on Federal Character and Inter-Governmental Affairs with conducting comprehensive investigative hearings on all federal MDAs. The committee is mandated to determine the extent to which these institutions adhere to constitutional provisions regarding fair and equitable representation of all regions and ethnic groups in appointments, promotions, and recruitment. They are expected to report their findings within four weeks.
The motion, sponsored by Minority Whip, Sen. Osita Ngwu, highlighted persistent challenges in achieving balance and equity within Nigeria’s public service. Ngwu pointed to limited recruitment opportunities, skewed promotions based on years of service, and restricted worker mobility as contributing factors. He emphasized that the Federal Character Principle, enshrined in the constitution, mandates fair representation to reflect Nigeria’s diverse linguistic, ethnic, religious, and geographic makeup.
Ngwu expressed concern over institutional inertia and a lack of accountability, which have undermined efforts to address public sector disparities. He noted that senior-level recruitment is often influenced by internal preferences rather than merit and fairness. He warned that this contempt for the law could erode the efficacy of relevant legislative acts and constitutional provisions.
He also criticized the Federal Character Commission (FCC) for its chronic underfunding, political interference, and limited enforcement capabilities. Ngwu cited specific constitutional provisions that prohibit the predominance of persons from a few states or ethnic groups within federal institutions. He observed that while geographical quotas exist, imbalances persist between institutions, and certain regions remain underrepresented. He also pointed out the confusion between merit-based recruitment and equitable state representation, which negatively impacts discipline, morale, and institutional efficiency.
Ngwu further alleged that numerous federal institutions, including NNPCL, NUPRC, NAFDAC, NPA, PENCOM, NDIC, FUTA, NLN, SMEDAN, ECN, SMDE, and NNRA, have consistently failed to adhere to federal character mandates, often bypassing regulations in their recruitment processes. He called for a thorough investigation to ensure compliance and uphold the principles of fair representation.
