Senate Panel Begins Federal Character Audit Of MDAs, Says Enforcement Has Failed

The Nigerian Senate has officially begun an investigation into alleged breaches of the federal character principle in recruitment and appointments across federal ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs).

The probe was launched on Wednesday through an interactive session hosted by the Senate Committee on Federal Character, involving several top agency heads. This initiative follows a resolution passed on March 25, prompted by a motion from Osita Ngwu, the minority whip and senator representing Enugu West.

The federal character principle, enshrined in Sections 14(3) and 14(4) of the 1999 Constitution, requires that public appointments fairly reflect Nigeria’s ethnic and regional diversity. It is designed to ensure inclusiveness, promote unity, and guard against the dominance of any group in federal representation.

Despite these constitutional safeguards, there has been widespread public frustration over what many see as persistent violations by government bodies. Critics argue that these breaches have worsened perceptions of marginalisation and regional inequality.

Senator Allwell Onyesoh, chair of the committee and representative of Rivers East, stated that a full audit will be conducted to assess each MDA’s compliance with the federal character mandate. The committee, he said, is committed to restoring fairness and national balance in public sector appointments.

“As enshrined in Section 14(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the federal character principle is fundamental to our national cohesion,” Onyesoh said. “It mandates that governance must reflect the diversity of our federation to prevent domination by any one group or region.”

Onyesoh expressed deep concern over the persistent disregard for the federal character principle, describing it as “more honoured in the breach than in observance.”

Onyesoh also emphasised that without accountability, the principle becomes ineffective and loses its intended value in promoting equity and national cohesion. To address this, he proposed urgent reforms — including the creation of a federal character compliance tribunal — to ensure violators are held responsible and to strengthen enforcement mechanisms across government institutions.

“This committee will pursue its mandate through rigorous investigative hearings, interactive sessions, and, where necessary, on-the-spot assessments,” he said. “Our approach is not punitive but corrective. We aim to foster accountability, reinforce equity, and restore trust in our national institutions.”

Senator Onyesoh urged full cooperation from all stakeholders—ministries, departments, agencies (MDAs), civil society organizations, and the general public—to support the ongoing investigation. He stressed that the committee is committed to upholding the constitutional mandate and would not hesitate to exercise its powers under Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution to summon individuals, demand documents, and enforce compliance where necessary.

 “Full cooperation is expected, and the committee will not hesitate to invoke its constitutional powers under Sections 88 and 89 where necessary,” he said.

He also disclosed that President Bola Tinubu is fully in support of the investigation. “Those aiming to hide behind or under the presidency would be disappointed, as the time to account for their misdeeds has come,” he added.

Simon Lalong, vice-chairman of the Senate Committee on Federal Character and senator representing Plateau South, reaffirmed the committee’s determination to put an end to the persistent abuse of the federal character principle.

Lalong also disclosed that several key agencies are scheduled to appear before the committee starting Monday. These include the Federal Character Commission (FCC), the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC), the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), the National Pension Commission (PenCom), and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).