Senate Flags Underfunding of Federal Character Commission, Calls for Urgent Support

The Senate Committee on Federal Character and Intergovernmental Affairs has raised concerns over the inadequate funding of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), describing it as a major hurdle to monitoring over 700 ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) across the country.

Alwell Onyesoh, Chairman of the committee, sounded the alarm on Tuesday during the commission’s 2026 budget defence session at the National Assembly.

The lawmaker described the funding gap as a serious impediment to the commission’s constitutional mandate. He emphasized that “Federal character is not optional. It is enshrined in the Constitution. The commission charged with enforcing it must be properly funded to function effectively.”

Onyesoh assured that the committee would support efforts to strengthen the FCC and improve accountability across government institutions.

Appearing before the committee, Ayo Omidiran, Chairperson of the FCC, presented the commission’s proposed 2026 budget of N6.5 billion. Omidiran noted that limited funding has constrained the commission’s ability to enforce federal character principles, affecting fairness, balance, and equal representation in federal appointments and the public service.

She urged lawmakers to approve increased funding, stressing that “Federal character is a constitutional duty, and we must be equipped to enforce it effectively for the good of national unity.”

Omidiran also assured that despite funding challenges, the commission would continue to carry out its constitutional responsibilities. Her remarks came during a separate budget defence before the House of Representatives Committee on Federal Character at the National Assembly.

The Senate committee’s concern highlights the persistent challenge of ensuring equitable representation in Nigeria’s public institutions amid tight budgetary allocations.