The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Federal Character and Intergovernmental Affairs, Senator Allwell Heacho, has said the funding gap is a serious setback for the Federal Character Commission (FCC) to carry out its objectives.
Heacho described the Commission as not optional but backed by the Constitution.
“Federal Character is not optional. It is backed by the Constitution. The Commission responsible for enforcing it must be properly funded to deliver,” he stated.
He assured that the Senate Committee is committed to supporting the FCC to strengthen its operations and improve accountability across government institutions.
During the 2026 budget defence at the National Assembly, the Executive Chairman of the FCC, Hon. Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, presented a proposed budget of N6.5 billion and explained that limited funding has reduced the Commission’s capacity to properly monitor and enforce compliance across more than 700 Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
She stressed that without adequate funding, the Commission cannot effectively ensure fairness, balance, and equal representation in federal appointments and public service.
“We are appealing to the Senate to support improved funding for the Commission. Federal Character is a constitutional duty, and we must be equipped to enforce it effectively for the good of national unity,” she said.