By Fatima Saka
Abuja – The Nigerian Senate on Wednesday commenced an investigative hearing to probe Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) over alleged widespread non-compliance with the Federal Character Principle, a key constitutional mandate designed to promote equity and national unity.
Chairing the session was Senator Allwell Heacho Onyesoh, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Federal Character and Intergovernmental Affairs. The hearing, held at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, marked the inaugural session of what the Senate described as a critical national assignment.
Senator Onyesoh, in his opening remarks, decried the persistent disregard for Section 14(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which stipulates that public institutions must reflect Nigeria’s federal character in appointments and infrastructure distribution.
“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.”
He noted that the consistent failure of MDAs to comply with this principle has led to marginalization and deepened public distrust in governance, particularly among underrepresented regions.
The Committee also criticized the Federal Character Commission (FCC) for its inability to enforce compliance despite having the legal backing. Senator Onyesoh proposed the creation of a Federal Character Compliance Tribunal as part of a broader reform agenda to strengthen enforcement mechanisms.
“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 investigative process will involve public hearings, interactive sessions with stakeholders, and site visits to verify claims of imbalance in infrastructure and appointments.
Senator Onyesoh called on all stakeholders including MDAs, civil society organizations, and the general public to fully support the investigation. He emphasized that the Committee would invoke its constitutional powers under Sections 88 and 89 to compel cooperation where necessary.
At the conclusion of the hearings, a comprehensive report with actionable recommendations will be submitted to the Senate, potentially including amendments to 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,” he concluded.
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On Personnel Allocation the members of the committee commented on the composition of the committee and the allocation of personnel to our state. For example, when you take our state as a case study, the situation is quite discouraging, especially in terms of fair representation and accommodation of all states. As a relatively young state, we have consistently been underrepresented in recruitments.
They emphasized that they have made several efforts to address this. I have written to individual agencies, including the Immigration Service, Customs and the Nigerian Data Agency. The data to support the case is available. We are not demanding favoritism or asking to override established standards. Rather, we are simply advocating for fair application of the laws guiding the commission’s operations, particularly the equitable sharing of positions.
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The members stressed on the need to consider the composition of the Senate. Senators should be allowed to fully engage in this process. “They must be seen as integral members of the committee’s focus. I sincerely hope this opportunity for fairness and inclusion will not be overlooked.”
The session signals a renewed legislative effort to ensure fairness and federal balance in Nigeria’s governance structure.
The meeting was further adjourned to next week Monday.
