The Nigerian Senate has pledged to expose ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) that violated the Federal Character principle in their recruitment processes.
This commitment was made on Wednesday by Senator Allwell Onyesoh (PDP–Rivers) during an investigative hearing on the alleged breaches of the Federal Character system in recruitment across MDAs.
Senator Onyesoh urged MDAs to ensure full disclosure and refrain from withholding any documents relevant to the ongoing investigation.
“As stipulated in Section 14(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Federal Character principle is a cornerstone of our national unity,” he stated. “It requires that governance reflects the diversity of our federation, to prevent the dominance of any particular group or region.
“Regrettably, persistent abuse and weak enforcement have rendered this principle more honoured in its breach than in its observance.”
Onyesoh noted that continued non-compliance by many MDAs—particularly in recruitment and infrastructure allocation—has fuelled marginalisation and exacerbated national discontent.
He acknowledged the efforts of the Federal Character Commission (FCC) despite its legal powers, but said recent developments necessitate urgent reforms. Among the proposals is the establishment of a Federal Character Compliance Tribunal to ensure violations are adequately addressed.
“This committee will vigorously pursue the Federal Character mandate through investigative hearings, stakeholder engagements, and, where necessary, on-the-spot assessments,” he said.
The senator emphasised that the committee’s approach was not punitive, but corrective.
“Our aim is to strengthen accountability, reinforce fairness, and restore public trust in national institutions,” he said. “We urge all stakeholders MDAs, civil society organisations, and the general public to cooperate fully. The committee will not hesitate to invoke its constitutional powers under Sections 88 and 89, where necessary.”
He further disclosed that President Bola Tinubu supports the investigation, warning those attempting to shield themselves behind the presidency that “the time to answer for their actions has come.”
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In his remarks, the Vice Chairman of the Committee, Senator Simon Lalong (APC–Plateau), reiterated the committee’s resolve to halt ongoing violations of the Federal Character principle in the national interest.
According to Senator Lalong, the first phase of the investigation will commence on Monday, with several agencies expected to appear before the committee. These include the Federal Character Commission, Federal Civil Service Commission, Nigerian Ports Authority, National Pension Commission, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), among others.
The Federal Character principle is enshrined in Sections 14(3) and 14(4) of the 1999 Constitution. It requires that appointments and the composition of government institutions at both federal and state levels reflect Nigeria’s diversity, ensuring that no single ethnic group or region dominates.
Although designed to promote national unity, inclusion, and a sense of belonging for all citizens, the principle has reportedly been grossly violated by public officials over the years.
The Senate had, during its Tuesday plenary session, following extensive debate on a motion sponsored by Minority Whip Senator Osita Ngwu (PDP–Enugu), mandated its Committee on Federal Character to conduct a comprehensive investigation into violations across MDAs.
