The House of Representatives has mandated the Federal Character Commission to respect the Constitution of Nigeria in its operations.
The Chairman of the committee on Federal Character Commission, Mr. Idris Wase gave the advice during an interactive session with the acting chairman of the commission, Mr. Kayode Oladele, in Abuja.
Mr. Wase said that section 14(3) and the third schedule of the Constitution were very clear as to the mandate of the commission as the sole agency of government saddled with such responsibility.
He said an act of parliament establishing any agency cannot take the place of the Constitution, adding that agencies not complying with the provisions of geb federal Character commission were working against the constitution which is the supreme law of the country.
” You are a creation of the Constitution. You were not created by an act of parliament. Even though we are not under mining the act of parliament, the Constitution made It clear which is supreme. No agency can take over your job.
“We have seen letters from some agencies and we are not going to accept that. We want things to be done the right way and according to the law. Tell those agencies to stay off. We will not allow that even though they are referring to their establishment act.
“We have engaged several agencies and what we see! Is not in the interest of this country. We are not happy with the interference coming from some agencies”.Mr. Wase said.
He however frowned at the activities of some agencies of government who are seeking to either take over the duties of the Commission, or work with them in the performance of their duties.
He noted that the committee had invited the Minister of Education over some observations in appointment into newly established institutions where principal officers are drawn from the same area in contravention of the law.
He stressed that “we want to see how we can address that issue maybe by swapping some of them”.
The Chairman pointed out that the mandate of the commission is to ensure fair distribution of personnel and infrastructure across the country, saying that once that is done, there will be no complaint of marginalisation from any part of the country.
He also frowned at some agencies carrying out recruitment without a nominal role, noting that such an act will not ensure fair distribution of employment as required by law.
The Acting Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Mr. Kayode Oladele, called for enhanced partnership with the National Assembly to fully realize the principles of equity, inclusiveness, and fairness in the distribution of public offices and socio-economic opportunities across Nigeria.
He emphasised that synergy with lawmakers is critical for effective oversight, improved transparency, and for easing national tensions arising from perceived marginalization.
Mr. Oladele noted that the Commission faces funding constraints in carrying out its constitutional responsibilities, including monitoring over 700 Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) and maintaining offices in all 36 states and the FCT.
He urged the legislature to support reforms, joint enlightenment programs, and enhanced budgetary support to enable the Commission to fulfill its constitutional mandate effectively
He however reported that some agencies of government and some state government were not working in agreement with the commission in carrying out is assigned mandate is ensuring unity in the country.
He sought legislative backing in reviewing and amending relevant establishment Act to grant the Commission greater autonomy in enforcement and sanctions, including digital monitoring, recruitment audits, and enforcement mechanisms as well as the expansion of its constitutional mandates to include the monitoring and enforcement of all civil rights as guaranteed by the Constitution.
He also asked the parliament to assist the agency in terms of budgetary allocation to fund its activities and be in a better position to discharge its constitutional mandate.
He said many agencies have always worked to frustrate the activities of the commission by claiming that they are not under the control of the Commission, while some state governments have also not been cooperating with the commission.
The Acting Chairman also said the agency was in dire need of greater autonomy to monitor activities of government agencies and some private concern and enforce compliance, while also needing adequate funds to carry out its statutory functions.
According to him, the Federal Character Commission was established with a
constitutional mandate to uphold the principles of equity, inclusiveness, and fairness in the distribution of public offices and socio-economic amenities places us not as separate bodies, but as co-guardians of national cohesion and unity.
While stressing the need for synergy, the FCC Acting Chairman said that as a regulatory Agency, the Federal Character Commission carries out “monitoring, evaluation, and enforcement of compliance, adding that the authority of the legislature provides the political and institutional weight necessary to ensure adherence, especially when MDAs fail to meet constitutional obligations.
“Second, synergy fosters transparency and accountability. When our institutions speak with one voice, conduct joint inspections, share data, and coordinate on compliance reports, we send a strong message that no agency is above the law and that deviation from federal character principles will not be tolerated.
“Third, and perhaps most importantly, synergy helps reduce national tension and agitation. It is no secret that many of the grievances expressed across regions in Nigeria, whether political, economic, or security-related are rooted in perceptions of marginalization, domination, and exclusion.
“An effective Federal Character Commission, working in partnership with the legislature, can address these concerns at their root by ensuring equitable representation and opportunity. When people see fairness in the system, they are more likely to trust the process and less likely to agitate for radical alternatives.
“We must also acknowledge that paucity of funds remains one of the major constraints facing the Commission in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities. Inadequate funding affects our capacity to monitor MDAs effectively, to build digital compliance tools, and to conduct recruitment audits nationwide.
“But I am confident that with the support and intervention of the President and National Assembly, especially this distinguished Committee, this challenge can be overcome. Your continued support in the appropriation process and budgetary oversight can help reposition the Commission for optimal performance.
“It is important to note that the Federal Character Commission has offices in all 36 states of the federation, including the Federal Capital Territory, and is statutorily mandated to monitor and regulate over 700 Federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), including applicable state-level institutions.
Members of the committee however were displeased with the lack of presentation from some geopolitical zones in Nigeria at the Federal Character Commission.
They also called for a reform in the commission to reflect Federal Character