How Top Government Agencies Are Secretly Violating Federal Character Rules

By Achimi Muktar

In a bold move, the Nigerian Senate has launched a sweeping investigation into multiple high-profile government agencies over alleged violations of the Federal Character Principle in recruitment, appointments, and promotions.

The probe targets major institutions, including the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), National Pension Commission (PENCOM), Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), and several Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). These organizations stand accused of flouting the laws that mandate fair and equitable representation of all states and ethnic groups in federal employment.

The Senate’s Stand Against Systemic Bias

This latest action follows a motion titled “Urgent need to address systemic abuse and ineffective implementation of the Federal Character Principle in Nigeria’s Public Sector.”

Leading the charge is Senator Osita Ngwu of Enugu West, who in his debate, expressed deep concerns over the continuous dominance of certain ethnic groups in federal agencies, a practice he says contradicts Sections 14(3) and 14(4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

According to Ngwu, while recruitment opportunities remain scarce, promotions within these institutions are largely based on years of service rather than merit, sidelining qualified individuals from underrepresented regions.

The Violators: Who’s Breaking the Rules?

The list of agencies under scrutiny includes:

NNPCL and its subsidiary, Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC)

National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC)

Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA)

Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA)

National Library of Nigeria (NLN)

Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN)

Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN)

Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF)

Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA)

These agencies are accused of repeatedly bypassing recruitment regulations, favoring certain ethnic groups, and ignoring transparency in hiring processes.

A Culture of Favoritism and Political Interference

Ngwu pointed out that senior-level recruitment is often influenced by favoritism rather than competence, undermining the credibility and effectiveness of federal institutions.

He further alleged that the Federal Character Commission (FCC), the body responsible for enforcing equity in public service employment, has become powerless due to chronic underfunding, political interference, and a lack of enforcement authority.

What’s Next?

In response, the Senate has mandated its Committee on Federal Character and Inter-Governmental Affairs to conduct a full-scale investigation into the recruitment, appointments, and promotions of these agencies.

The committee has been given four weeks to:

Hold investigative hearings with the affected MDAs.

Assess compliance levels with federal character laws.

Present its findings for necessary legislative action.

Will This Change Anything?

For years, Nigerians have expressed frustration over nepotism and regional favoritism in public service employment. With the Senate now taking action, many are watching closely to see if this investigation will bring real accountability or fade into another political spectacle.

Will this be the beginning of a fairer recruitment process, or just another case of empty promises? Time will tell.