Exposing Alleged Federal Character Principle Violations by Government Agencies
Congressional Inquiry Targets NNPCL, NAFDAC, and Other Agencies over Accusations of Regional Preference
The Senate Committee on Federal Character and Inter-Governmental Affairs is on a mission to unmask the alleged breaches of the Federal Character Principle by several ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs). This crackdown stems from an initiative by Senator Osita Ngwu, representing Enugu West, whose motion, titled "Urgent Action Needed to Address Systemic Abuse and Ineffective Implementation of the Federal Character Principle," was adopted by the Senate in March 2025.
The federal character principle, embedded in Sections 14(3) and 14(4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), aims to guarantee equitable representation and balance across regions and groups in federal appointments and infrastructure projects. The investigations aim to address accusations of widespread non-compliance and systematic misuse by key government agencies.
MDAs and institutions under the scanner for suspected violations include:
- Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and its affiliates
- Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC)
- National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC)
- Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA)
- National Pension Commission (PENCOM)
- Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC)
- 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)
- Nigeria Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA)
These entities have been accused of blatantly disregarding the federal character requirements, which has led the Senate to schedule investigative hearings, beginning May 7, 2025, in the Equal Opportunities Hearing Room 211, Senate Building, National Assembly Complex, Abuja. All implicated MDAs and institutions have received formal invitations detailing the schedule and required documents.
The Senate Committee invites the public to contribute useful information or memoranda via email or at the hearing venue to support the investigation.
- The Senate Committee on Federal Character and Inter-Governmental Affairs, based in Abuja, Nigeria, is investigating alleged violations of the Federal Character Principle by several government agencies, as stated by Senator Osita Ngwu.
- The federal character principle, which requires equitable representation and balance in federal appointments and infrastructure projects, is embedded in Sections 14(3) and 14(4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
- The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) may become involved if there are financial implications found during the Senate's investigation of government agencies like the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), and others, for their alleged non-compliance with the federal character principle.
- The public is encouraged to contribute useful information or memoranda via email or in person at the investigative hearings, which will take place at the Equal Opportunities Hearing Room 211, Senate Building, National Assembly Complex, Abuja, starting May 7, 2025, as part of the Senate's policy-and-legislation, politics, and general news focus on unmasking alleged breaches in the Nigerian political landscape.
