By Henry Obetta

The Federal Character Commission, FCC, on Friday, lamented its inability to perform its statutory functions citing low funding and inadequate budgeting as the major cause.

The Commission made this known during its budget defence before the House of Representatives Committee on Federal Character at the National Assembly, Abuja.
Speaking, Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission, FCC, Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, complained that inadequate funding had continued to constrain the Commission’s statutory activities, including nationwide monitoring, compliance audits and enforcement measures across Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs.
Omidiran assured lawmakers that the Commission remains resolute in ensuring equity, fairness and balanced representation in line with its constitutional mandate.
She said: “As a Commission, it is our responsibility to engage with relevant government parastatals and ministries to secure the necessary funding we require. We believe that with consultation and collaboration, it will be a successful venture for the Commission.”
She reassured the commitment of her leadership to reposition the Commission and strengthen enforcement of the federal character principle, despite prevailing funding challenges.
Earlier, the chairman of the House Committee on Federal Character, Mr. Ahmed Idris Wase, expressed deep concern over what he described as near-zero budgetary allocation to the Commission, stressing that such financial inadequacies severely undermine its operational effectiveness.
The lawmaker assured the Commission of the Committee’s firm legislative backing in advocating for improved funding and strengthening the Commission’s capacity to fully exercise its constitutional mandate.
Wase said: “We cannot reasonably expect the Federal Character Commission to enforce compliance across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies while grappling with insufficient funding,
“If we are genuinely committed to fairness, equity, and national cohesion, then we must be deliberate in adequately funding the institution established to safeguard these principles.” He added.
Wase emphasised the Committee’s willingness to cooperate with the leadership of the FCC inorder to ensure for adequate budgetary provisions of the commission.
“The era of skeletal or token funding must give way to realistic and sustainable financial support,” he said.