The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to fairness, equity, and national cohesion, urging the recently inaugurated members of the fifth Board of the Federal Character Commission (FCC) to strengthen enforcement of constitutional provisions guiding inclusive governance.
Speaking at the opening of a two-day induction and sensitization workshop at Stratton Hotel, Abuja, on Tuesday, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Dr. George Akume, OFR, described the gathering as a strategic national engagement aimed at repositioning the Commission as a proactive and results-driven institution.
Represented by his technical adviser, Professor Babatunde Bernard, Akume emphasized the importance of assertive regulatory measures.
“The Commission must move beyond routine compliance toward a more assertive regulatory framework that ensures fairness, accountability, and inclusive governance across all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies. Nigerians expect a Commission that is principled, independent, and professional. The Federal Character Principle must neither be politicized nor diluted,” he said.
Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, described the Federal Character Commission as a strategic pillar within Nigeria’s governance architecture.
The former Speaker, House of Representatives, reminded commissioners that their mandate extends beyond political appointments to equitable distribution of national opportunities and development initiatives.
“Federal Character must never become a mere arithmetic exercise. Representation and merit must strengthen one another rather than compete. You are custodians of one of the most delicate compacts holding our nation together. When fairness is upheld, Nigeria feels united; when it is ignored, the country feels fragile,” Gbajabiamila said.
Also, Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase, Chairman of the House Committee on Federal Character, stressed the value of collaboration between the legislature and the Commission in ensuring balanced representation across the federation.
“The Federal Character Commission must remain a guardian of fairness and inclusion. Balanced representation builds trust and reinforces democratic stability. Inclusion and competence must work together. Strong institutions emerge when fairness and merit are applied side by side,” Wase stated.
Representing Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, OON, Head of Service of the Federation, Permanent Secretary for the Service Policies and Strategies Office, Dr. Ishiyaku Mohammed re-emphasized the need for disciplined and efficient human resource management across the public service.
“Federal Character is not only about representation; it is about ensuring that appointments and placements are strategic, merit-driven, and aligned with national priorities,” he said.
In her welcome remarks, Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission, Hon. Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, described the induction programme as a defining moment in the Commission’s institutional evolution, stressing that the workshop align with vision, deepen understanding of statutory responsibilities, and strengthen enforcement mechanisms.
“The Federal Character Principle is not a political slogan, it is a stabilizing framework that promotes fairness, inclusion, and national cohesion. It will not be business as usual. We are committed to ethical conduct, accountability, and lawful enforcement of our mandate,” Omidiran affirmed.
The opening day of the induction workshop was attended by the Secretary, Honorable Commissioners and Directors of the Federal Character Commission.
Themed “Guiding the Effective Implementation and Enforcement of the Federal Character Principle,” featuring sessions led by seasoned resource persons and policy experts, focusing on leadership, monitoring frameworks, data-driven compliance, and collaborative governance.