Federal Government Reaffirms Commitment to Federal Character Principle

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to fairness, equity and national cohesion, charging newly inaugurated members of the fifth Board of the Federal Character Commission (FCC) to strengthen enforcement of constitutional provisions guiding inclusive governance.

Speaking at the opening of a two-day induction and sensitisation workshop held at Stratton Hotel, Abuja, on Tuesday, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, described the gathering as a strategic national engagement aimed at repositioning the Commission as a proactive and results-driven institution.

Represented by his Technical Adviser, Professor Babatunde Bernard, Akume urged the Commission to adopt a more assertive regulatory posture.

“The Commission must move beyond routine compliance toward a more assertive regulatory framework that ensures fairness, accountability and inclusive governance across all Ministries, Departments and Agencies. Nigerians expect a Commission that is principled, independent and professional. The Federal Character Principle must neither be politicised nor diluted,” he said.

Also speaking at the event, the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, described the FCC as a strategic pillar within Nigeria’s governance architecture.

Gbajabiamila reminded commissioners that their mandate goes beyond overseeing political appointments to ensuring equitable distribution of national opportunities and development initiatives.

“Federal Character must never become a mere arithmetic exercise. Representation and merit must strengthen one another rather than compete. You are the custodians of one of the most delicate compacts holding our nation together. When fairness is upheld, Nigeria feels united; when it is ignored, the country feels fragile,” he said.

Chairman of the House Committee on Federal Character, Ahmed Idris Wase, emphasised collaboration between the legislature and the Commission to guarantee balanced representation across the federation.

“The Federal Character Commission must remain a guardian of fairness and inclusion. Balanced representation builds trust and reinforces democratic stability. Inclusion and competence must work together,” Wase stated.

Representing the Head of Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, Permanent Secretary, Service Policies and Strategies Office, Dr Ishiyaku Mohammed, stressed disciplined and efficient human resource management in the public service.

“Federal Character is not only about representation; it is about ensuring that appointments and placements are strategic, merit-driven and aligned with national priorities,” he noted.

In her welcome address, Executive Chairman of the Commission, Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, described the induction programme as a defining moment in the institution’s evolution.

“The Federal Character Principle is not a political slogan; it is a stabilising framework that promotes fairness, inclusion and national cohesion. It will not be business as usual. We are committed to ethical conduct, accountability and lawful enforcement of our mandate,” Omidiran affirmed.

The workshop, themed “Guiding the Effective Implementation and Enforcement of the Federal Character Principle,” features sessions led by policy experts focusing on leadership, monitoring frameworks, data-driven compliance and collaborative governance.

The opening session was attended by the Commission’s Secretary, Honourable Commissioners and Directors, as the Federal Government signalled renewed determination to strengthen inclusive governance across the country.

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