By Henry Obetta

The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission FCC, Hulayat Omidiran, has called for the establishment of a tribunal and stronger legislative backing to enhance enforcement of the Federal Character Principle and address persistent violations by Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs.

Omidiran made the call during an interactive session between the Senate Committee on Federal Character and Intergovernmental Affairs, chaired by Ede Dafinone, and the management of the Commission at the National Assembly, Abuja.

She identified inadequate funding and weak enforcement powers as major obstacles hindering the Commission from effectively carrying out its constitutional mandate.

According to her, empowering the Commission with prosecutorial authority and creating a dedicated tribunal would strengthen compliance and improve accountability across public institutions.

She said “The Commission requires stronger legislative backing to effectively discharge its constitutional responsibilities. Addressing persistent funding gaps and empowering the FCC with prosecutorial authority will significantly improve compliance and accountability across Ministries, Departments and Agencies,”

Omidiran said the proposed FCC tribunal would provide a specialised platform for handling cases involving violations of the Federal Character Principle.

“We are advocating for the establishment of a Federal Character Commission Tribunal to fast-track prosecutions of violations of the Federal Character Principle. Such a tribunal will provide a dedicated platform for enforcement, expedite the prosecution of offenders and serve as a deterrent against breaches of the law,” she added.

Responding, Senator Ede Dafinone reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to strengthening the legal and institutional framework required for effective implementation of the Federal Character Principle, which he described as critical to national unity, integration and equal opportunity.

Dafinone noted that despite the Commission’s constitutional mandate, compliance by some MDAs remains weak due to administrative, financial and political challenges.

He said “The Committee has observed that many Ministries, Departments and Agencies do not consistently cooperate with the Commission. In several instances, requests for information are ignored, records are inadequately maintained and compliance mechanisms remain weak, undermining the integrity of the Federal Character framework,”

The senator added that the committee would work with relevant stakeholders to address funding constraints, strengthen enforcement mechanisms and close existing loopholes in the implementation of the Federal Character Principle.

“The issues highlighted by the Commission, particularly funding constraints, weak compliance mechanisms and enforcement limitations, deserve urgent attention. The Committee will work closely with the FCC to strengthen the framework necessary for effective implementation of its constitutional mandate,” Dafinone stated.

He stressed that the committee’s goal extends beyond ensuring compliance, saying efforts are focused on building a system that promotes fairness, merit and equal opportunities for all Nigerians.
The meeting ended with both the Senate Committee and the FCC pledging deeper collaboration to strengthen enforcement, improve compliance and enhance the implementation of the Federal Character Principle across the public sector.