The Nigerian Senate has launched an investigation into systemic violations of the Federal Character principle in recruitment, promotions, and political interference across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). The lawmakers also aim to examine the uneven distribution of infrastructure nationwide and assess compliance with Sections 14(3) and 14(4) of the 1999 Constitution.
The Senate Committee on Federal Character and Inter-Governmental Affairs has been directed to conduct investigative hearings on all MDAs, ensuring equitable representation in appointments and promotions. The committee must report back within four weeks.
This decision follows a motion by Senate Minority Whip, Senator Osita Ngwu, who highlighted imbalances in public service employment due to limited recruitment opportunities, rigid promotion criteria, and lack of mobility between sectors. He expressed concern that recruitment at senior levels is often driven by political considerations rather than merit, undermining transparency and efficiency.
Ngwu also pointed out that the Federal Character Commission (FCC) remains handicapped by underfunding and political interference, making enforcement of fair representation difficult. Despite constitutional mandates against dominance by specific ethnic or regional groups, imbalances persist in federal institutions.
The lawmaker further criticized the quota system, which has sometimes confused merit-based recruitment with equitable state representation, impacting institutional discipline and efficiency. He noted that several agencies, including NNPC, NUPRC, NAFDAC, NPA, PENCOM, NDIC, FUTA, and others, have repeatedly failed to comply with Federal Character mandates in their recruitment exercises.
The Senate’s investigation aims to address these disparities and reinforce accountability in federal employment practices.
Source: Swifteradio.com
