Senate Delves Into Potential Breaches of Federal Character Principle by Select MDAs
Committee Explores Allegations of Regional Preference against NNPCL, NAFDAC, and Other Agencies
In a high-stakes move, the Senate Committee on Federal Character and Inter-Governmental Affairs has launched a comprehensive investigation into alleged violations of the Federal Character Principle by several key ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs).
This decisive action unfolded after a motion, titled "The Urgent Need to Address Systemic Abuse and Ineffective Implementation of the Federal Character Principle," was tabled by Senator Osita Ngwu, representing Enugu West, in March 2025. The motion, adopted by the Senate, shed light on recurring instances of non-compliance within numerous federal entities.
The targeted MDAs span various sectors, including the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and its affiliates, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), National Pension Commission (PENCOM), Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA), National Library of Nigeria (NLN), Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), and the Nigeria Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA).
The FCP, enshrined in Nigeria’s constitution, calls for equitable representation across regions and states in public appointments to promote national unity. However, recent provocations have pointed to a disregard for these stipulations within several federal bodies.
On Tuesday, May 6, 2025, the panel's chair, Senator Allwell Heacho Onyesoh of Rivers East, confirmed that the hearings would scrutinize recruitment irregularities and infrastructural distribution discrepancies within the nation. The Committee aims to deliver its findings to the full Senate within three months.
The high-profile hearings, slated to commence on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, will take place in the Equal Opportunities Hearing Room 211 of the Senate Building in the National Assembly Complex, Abuja. All implicated MDAs and institutions have received formal invitations outlining the schedule and documents required for their appearance.
Citizens are also encouraged to contribute valuable insights or submissions via email at [email protected] or in person at the hearing venue.
In the globalized and increasingly competitive world we inhabit, the integrity of our institutions is paramount to fostering a fair, balanced, and flourishing nation. The pursuit of truth in this investigation may serve as an essential catalyst for institutional reform and development.
- The Senate Committee on Federal Character and Inter-Governmental Affairs' investigation focuses on alleged Federal Character Principle violations by Nigerian MDAs, including the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission.
- The Senate Committee's aim is to uncover recruitment irregularities and infrastructural distribution discrepancies within these MDAs to uphold Nigeria's constitutional requirement for equitable representation.
- The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation, National Library of Nigeria, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria, Energy Commission of Nigeria, and the Nigeria Nuclear Regulatory Authority are among the MDAs being scrutinized.
- The revelations come after Senator Osita Ngwu's motion, "The Urgent Need to Address Systemic Abuse and Ineffective Implementation of the Federal Character Principle," was adopted by the Senate in March 2025.
- The hearings, which will commence on May 7, 2025, at the Senate Building in Abuja, will scrutinize policy-and-legislation and general-news related to the affair, setting a precedent for institutional reform and development.
- Citizens are invited to contribute insights or submissions via email or in person at the hearing venue to assist the Committee in its quest for full disclosure and compliance.
- The ongoing investigation underscores the importance of upholding the principles of politics, representation, and equitable representation in Nigeria's policy-and-legislation and institutions to ensure national unity and progress.
