The 10th Senate has opened investigative hearings into the alleged abuse and ineffective implementation of the federal character principle by key government agencies, marking a renewed push for equity in public recruitment and infrastructure distribution.
The hearings, which is taking place at the Equal Opportunities Hearing Room 211 in the Senate Building at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja, are being led by the Senate Committee on Federal Character and Inter-Governmental Affairs, chaired by Senator Allwell Heacho Onyesoh (Rivers-East).
This move follows a Motion raised in March by Senator Osita Ngwu (Enugu West), which was unanimously adopted by the Senate. The Motion, titled: ‘Urgent Need to Address Systemic Abuse and Ineffective Implementation of the Federal Character Principle’, condemned what it described as widespread non-compliance with Sections 14(3) and 14(4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
Several federal agencies have been accused of a “flagrant disregard” for the federal character requirements, which are intended to ensure equitable representation of all regions and groups in national appointments and infrastructure projects.
Among the organisations named are the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL)and its subsidiaries, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, (NUROC) the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), the National Pension Commission and the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC).
Others include the Federal University of Technology, Akure, the National Library of Nigeria, the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria, the Energy Commission of Nigeria, the Solid Minerals Development Fund, and the Nigeria Nuclear Regulatory Authority.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Senator Onyesoh confirmed that formal invitations and documentation requests had been dispatched to all named Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, (MDAs).
The hearings are expected to last several weeks, with the Committee scheduled to submit its findings to the Senate within three months.
The Committee has also invited members of the public to submit memoranda or relevant information either at the venue or via email to clerk.scfciga.ng@gmail.com, underscoring its intention to conduct a transparent and inclusive inquiry.
The hearings come at a time of growing concern over marginalisation and imbalance in federal appointments, and are expected to test the government’s commitment to constitutional principles of fairness and national cohesion.
