ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) –The Senate has commenced a comprehensive investigative hearing into the enforcement of the Federal Character Principle in public sector recruitment.
This move demonstrates a renewed push to address long-standing concerns over lopsided employment practices across federal agencies.
The probe, led by the Senate Committee on Federal Character, aims to assess the level of compliance by federal ministries, departments, and agencies with constitutional mandates for equitable representation of all regions in government appointments.
During the opening session of the hearing, the committee chairman issued a stern warning to Chief Executive Officers and heads of the agencies invited, making it clear that failure to appear before the committee would attract sanctions.
Lawmakers emphasized that growing public discontent over perceived imbalances in federal employment must be urgently tackled through legislative reforms.
They indicated their willingness to amend the Federal Character Act to ensure it becomes more enforceable and aligned with current realities.
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The session drew representatives from several federal bodies, including the Nigeria Customs Service, who were called upon to defend their recruitment procedures.
Throughout the hearing, senators unanimously expressed concern about widespread allegations of marginalization and underrepresentation, highlighting the urgent need to correct the imbalance and enforce compliance, including through penalties where necessary.
Representing Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi echoed these concerns, revealing that many lawmakers were under intense pressure from constituents who feel excluded from federal employment opportunities.
He noted a key challenge for many rural applicants: “Many applicants from rural areas are disadvantaged due to lack of internet access and are often unaware when recruitment portals open.”
Adding to the discussion, Senate Chief Whip Senator Tahir Monguno stressed the critical importance of the Federal Character Principle to national unity.
“It’s because of the Federal Character Principle that we have a Vice President from Kanuri and a Chief Whip of the Senate. It must be protected and implemented faithfully,” Monguno said.
Channels TV reports that the lawmakers reiterated their commitment to ensuring fairness and balance in recruitment into federal institutions, asserting that the credibility of the government and national cohesion depend on it.