Senate Investigates Abuse of Federal Character Principle in Recruitment, Promotion

The Nigerian Senate has resolved to investigate the widespread abuse of the Federal Character principle in recruitment, promotion, and political interference across all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) of government, as well as the uneven infrastructural development within the country.

The lawmakers also committed to assessing the level of compliance with Sections 14(3) and 14(4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) by the MDAs.

Following a motion moved by Senate Minority Whip, Senator Osita Ngwu, on Tuesday, the Senate mandated its Committee on Federal Character and Inter-Governmental Affairs to conduct thorough hearings across all MDAs. The objective is to determine the degree of adherence to the constitutional provisions that ensure fair and equitable representation across all regions and ethnic groups in appointments, promotions, and recruitment. The committee has been asked to report its findings within four weeks.

Senator Ngwu, who sponsored the motion, highlighted persistent challenges in achieving balance and equity in Nigeria’s public service. He pointed to limited recruitment opportunities, promotions often based solely on years of service, and insufficient mobility for workers outside the public sector as contributing factors. He also underscored the importance of the Federal Character principle, enshrined in the 1999 Constitution, which mandates fair representation in federal appointments reflecting the nation’s ethnic, linguistic, religious, and geographic diversity.

Ngwu expressed concern that efforts to address disparities in the public sector have been hampered by institutional inertia and lack of accountability. He noted that recruitment at senior levels often favors internal preferences over merit and fairness, undermining the Federal Character principle.

He warned that continued disregard for these principles could erode the effectiveness of the country’s legal frameworks, including the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act, 2017, and the Freedom of Information Act, 2011.

Ngwu also raised concerns about the Federal Character Commission (FCC), which, despite being constitutionally empowered to oversee the implementation of these principles, faces chronic underfunding, political interference, and limited enforcement capacity.

The senator highlighted that Section 14(3) and (4) of the Constitution prohibit the predominance of persons from a few states or ethnic groups in federal agencies. He lamented that despite the focus on geographical quotas, imbalances persist, with some regions remaining underrepresented.

He also noted that the quota system, which aims to ensure fair distribution of employment opportunities, has often caused confusion between merit-based recruitment and equitable state representation, ultimately harming institutional efficiency.

Ngwu further reminded the Senate of the constitutional requirement for each state to contribute a proportionate share of the national workforce, with each state expected to contribute 2.75% and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) contributing 1%. He also pointed out that catchment areas should address localized recruitment for junior staff, with up to 75% of such positions filled from within the local region.

The motion highlighted that several federal institutions, including the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), its subsidiaries, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), the National Pension Commission (PENCOM), the National Insurance Corporation of Nigeria (NDIC), and others, have consistently failed to adhere to the Federal Character mandate. The Senate cited evidence of these institutions bypassing regulations in their recruitment processes.

The Senate’s resolution to investigate these issues is expected to ensure better compliance with the Federal Character principle and promote greater fairness in Nigeria’s public sector appointments and promotions.