Senate Backs FCC Push For Tribunal, Stronger Funding To Enforce Federal Character
As concerns grow over fairness in public sector recruitment and appointments, the Federal Character Commission (FCC) has secured Senate backing for stronger enforcement powers and improved funding to uphold Nigeria’s Federal Character Principle.
The Executive Chairman of the FCC, Hon. Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, made the appeal during an interactive session with the Senate Committee on Federal Character and Intergovernmental Affairs at the National Assembly, urging lawmakers to establish a dedicated tribunal to prosecute violations and strengthen compliance across government institutions.
Omidiran identified inadequate funding and weak enforcement powers as major obstacles limiting the Commission’s effectiveness, stressing that a Federal Character Commission Tribunal would fast-track prosecutions and serve as a deterrent to offenders.
Responding, Chairman of the Senate Committee, Senator Ede Dafinone, acknowledged persistent imbalances in the public service and poor cooperation from some Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), assuring the Commission of legislative support to address funding gaps and strengthen enforcement mechanisms.
He reaffirmed the Senate’s commitment to ensuring fairness, equal opportunity and national cohesion through the effective implementation of the Federal Character Principle.
Both parties concluded the meeting with a renewed commitment to close loopholes, improve compliance and build a stronger framework for enforcing federal character provisions across Nigeria’s public institutions.
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