The Senate Committee on Federal Character and Intergovernmental Affairs has sounded the alarm over chronic underfunding of the Federal Character Commission (FCC) in the proposed 2026 federal budget, warning that the shortfall is severely undermining the agency’s constitutional responsibilities.
The concern surfaced during the FCC’s budget defence presentation before the committee on Wednesday at the National Assembly complex.
FCC Executive Chairman, Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, defended a proposed budget of ₦6.5 billion, stressing that persistent inadequate funding has crippled the Commission’s ability to monitor compliance with federal character principles across more than 700 Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
She highlighted that limited resources have made it nearly impossible to effectively promote fairness, equity, and balanced representation in federal appointments and public service recruitment nationwide.
“Our appeal to the Senate is clear: support improved funding for the Commission,” Omidiran said.
“Federal Character is a constitutional obligation. Without adequate resources, we cannot enforce it properly and national unity suffers as a result.”
Senate Committee Chairman, Senator Allwell Heacho, described the funding deficit as a “major setback” to the FCC’s performance and effectiveness.
“Federal Character is not optional, it is enshrined in the Constitution,” Heacho declared.
"The body tasked with enforcing it must be adequately resourced to deliver on its mandate."
He assured the Commission of the committee’s commitment to advocate for stronger budgetary support and greater accountability in the implementation of federal character principles across government institutions.
In a statement issued by FCC spokesperson Ademola Lawrence, the Commission welcomed the Senate’s backing and expressed optimism that growing legislative attention from both the Senate and House Committees on Federal Character would lead to improved enforcement and compliance standards nationwide.
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