The Senate has directed its Committee on Federal Character and Inter-Governmental Affairs to examine the extent to which ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) adhere to the federal character principle, as outlined in Sections 14(3) and 14(4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
This investigation aims to ensure fair and equitable representation across all geopolitical zones and ethnic groups in recruitment, promotions, and appointments within the public sector.
The decision followed a motion sponsored by Senator Osita Ngwu (PDP-Enugu) during Tuesday’s plenary session in Abuja. The motion, titled “Urgent Need to Address Systemic Abuse and Ineffective Implementation of the Federal Character Principle in Nigeria’s Public Sector,” highlighted persistent imbalances in recruitment and promotions, which have undermined equity and fairness.
Senator Ngwu noted that the principle of federal character is designed to ensure diversity in public sector appointments, reflecting Nigeria’s linguistic, religious, and geographic diversity. However, he lamented that systemic abuse, coupled with limited recruitment opportunities and skewed promotions based on tenure rather than merit, has led to persistent imbalances in the workforce.
Citing Sections 14(3) and (4) of the Constitution, he emphasised that no single state, ethnic, or sectional group should dominate federal institutions. Despite existing guidelines, he pointed out that some institutions merely relocate issues rather than resolving them, leaving certain regions underrepresented.
Ngwu expressed concern that institutional inertia and a lack of accountability have hindered efforts to address disparities, particularly in senior-level recruitment, where internal preferences often outweigh merit-based considerations.
“The quota system has blurred the lines between merit-based recruitment and equitable state representation, affecting discipline, morale, and institutional efficiency,” he stated.
The senator further highlighted constitutional provisions requiring each state to contribute 2.75% to the national workforce, while the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) accounts for 1%. Additionally, he pointed out that localised recruitment allows junior staff positions to be filled up to 75% from catchment areas.
Ngwu also referenced Senate Order 96(27)(b) and Sections 62, 88, 89, and 143(4) of the Constitution, which empower the committee to conduct legislative oversight on federal character implementation.
He accused several federal agencies, including the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), NAFDAC, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), National Pension Commission (PenCom), Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), and Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), of failing to comply with federal character guidelines.
Others he listed were the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA), and the National Library of Nigeria (NLN).
He warned that continued disregard for these principles would undermine public trust and erode the effectiveness of legal provisions such as the Legislative Houses Powers and Privileges Act (2017) and the Freedom of Information Act (2011).
Ngwu also raised concerns about the Federal Character Commission (FCC), noting that despite its constitutional mandate, it remains hindered by chronic underfunding, political interference, and limited enforcement powers.
Following deliberations, contributions from Senators Abba Moro (PDP-Benue), Adamu Aliero (PDP-Kebbi), Seriake Dickson (PDP-Bayelsa), Olalere Oyewumi (PDP-Osun), Victor Umeh (LP-Anambra), Anthony Ani (APC-Ebonyi), and Adams Oshiomhole (APC-Edo), the Senate directed its committee to present its findings within three months.
