FCC seeks NASS support for fair governance, stronger oversight

Acting Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Hon. Kayode Oladele, on Tuesday called for stronger collaboration with the National Assembly to fully realize the principles of equity, inclusiveness, and fairness in the distribution of public offices and socio-economic opportunities across Nigeria.

Speaking during an interactive session with the House of Representatives Committee on Federal Character, Oladele said such a partnership would enable effective oversight, improve transparency, and help ease national tensions arising from perceived marginalization.

He explained that the Commission is facing funding constraints in carrying out its constitutional responsibilities, which include monitoring over 700 Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) and maintaining offices in all 36 states of the federation, including the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

Hon. Oladele appealed to the legislature to support reforms, initiate joint public enlightenment programs, and enhance budgetary allocations to enable the Commission to fulfill its constitutional mandate effectively.

However, he noted that some government agencies and certain state governments have not been cooperating with the Commission in carrying out its assigned mandate of promoting national unity.

He urged the National Assembly to back legislative amendments to the Commission’s enabling Act, granting it greater autonomy in enforcement and sanctions. These amendments, he said, should include provisions for digital monitoring, recruitment audits, and stronger enforcement mechanisms, as well as an expansion of its constitutional mandate to include monitoring and enforcing civil rights as guaranteed by the Constitution.

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In addition, Oladele sought increased budgetary support to strengthen the Commission’s operational capacity and allow it to discharge its duties more effectively.

He lamented that many agencies frustrate the Commission’s work by claiming they are not subject to its oversight, while some state governments also refuse to cooperate.

Oladele stressed that the FCC urgently needs more autonomy to monitor both government agencies and relevant private entities, enforce compliance, and receive adequate funding to fulfill its statutory functions.

According to him, the Federal Character Commission was established with a constitutional mandate to promote equity, inclusiveness, and fairness in the distribution of public offices and socio-economic resources. “This places us not as separate bodies, but as co-guardians of national cohesion and unity,” he said.

Highlighting the need for synergy, Oladele noted that as a regulatory agency, the FCC conducts monitoring, evaluation, and enforcement of compliance. He added that legislative authority lends the political and institutional weight needed to ensure adherence, particularly when MDAs fail to meet constitutional obligations.

“First, synergy fosters transparency and accountability. When our institutions speak with one voice, conduct joint inspections, share data, and coordinate on compliance reports, we send a strong message that no agency is above the law, and that deviation from federal character principles will not be tolerated.

“Second, and perhaps most importantly, synergy helps reduce national tension and agitation. It is no secret that many grievances across Nigeria—whether political, economic, or security-related—are rooted in perceptions of marginalization, domination, and exclusion.

“An effective FCC, working with the legislature, can address these concerns at the root by ensuring equitable representation and opportunity. When people see fairness in the system, they are more likely to trust the process and less likely to agitate for radical alternatives.

“We must also acknowledge that a lack of funds remains one of the major constraints facing the Commission. Inadequate funding affects our ability to monitor MDAs effectively, build digital compliance tools, and conduct recruitment audits nationwide.

“But I am confident that with the support of the President and National Assembly, particularly this distinguished Committee, we can overcome this challenge. Your continued support in the appropriation process and budgetary oversight can reposition the Commission for optimal performance.”

He reiterated that the FCC has offices in all 36 states and the FCT and is statutorily mandated to monitor and regulate over 700 federal MDAs and applicable state-level institutions.

In his response, Chairman of the Committee and former Deputy Speaker, Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase, criticized the actions of some government agencies that attempt to either usurp the functions of the FCC or hinder its performance.

He emphasized that Section 14(3) and the Third Schedule of the Constitution clearly define the FCC’s mandate, making it the sole agency responsible for ensuring equitable distribution.

Wase stressed that no Act of Parliament establishing any other agency can override the Constitution. He warned that agencies failing to comply with the FCC’s authority are acting against the Constitution, which is the supreme law of the land.

“You are a creation of the Constitution—not by an Act of Parliament. While we do not undermine Acts of Parliament, the Constitution is supreme. No agency can take over your job.

“We have seen letters from some agencies, and we will not accept that. Things must be done the right way and according to the law. Tell those agencies to stay off. We will not allow any agency to interfere, even if they refer to their establishment Acts.

“We have engaged several agencies, and what we’ve seen is not in the country’s best interest. We are not happy with the interference from some quarters,” he added.

The lawmaker disclosed that the Committee has invited the Minister of Education over concerns about appointments in newly established institutions, where principal officers were selected from the same region—contrary to the law. He suggested a review or reassignment of such appointments to address the imbalance.

He further emphasized that the Commission’s mandate is to ensure the fair distribution of personnel and infrastructure nationwide, noting that when this is achieved, there will be no complaints of marginalization from any region.

Wase also condemned the practice by some agencies of conducting recruitment without presenting a nominal roll, saying such acts undermine equitable employment distribution as required by law.

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE