BY BOLAJI AFOLABI
Given the multi-lingual, multi-tribal, and multi-ethnic diversities of Nigeria, the continuous clamour for consideration in the distribution of resources is expected. Often times, it has led to accusations and counter accusations, across board, as people angle for one benefit or the other for their respective groups and cleavages.
It is argued that structural imbalances have birth unending complaints about marginalization, inequality, and disparities. Sadly, it has produced social tension, deepening of tribal and ethnic gulf, as well as political agitations. For some people, these biases, disparities, and imbalances are prevalent in opportunities and possibilities; appointments and employments; allocation and distribution of resources.
Conscious of the implications of imbalances to national development, the Federal Character Commission, (FCC) was established as an agency of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by Act No. 34 of 1996. It was enshrined in Sections 14 and 153 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), to give legal instruments to its operations. The primary mandate is to ensure equity and fairness in the allocation of positions, and distribution of socio-economic infrastructure among all federating units. This is anchored on the promotion of national integration and unity through fair representation; formulating guidelines for appointments into the public and civil service, MDAs, and security agencies; ensuring compliance and monitoring; ensuring equitable representation of all regions and states in public service; sanctioning identified MDAs for wilful violations of the federal character principle. In the early years, its impact was not felt as many people described the FCC as “another agency” created by the military rulership for “unclear reasons.”
However, this perception changed with the enthronement of democracy in 1999. The FCC began to play its role as the “stabilizing and balancing agency” of government. There were talks that during the Obasanjo presidency, deliberate and intentional actions were taken to ensure that a state from the South South geo-political zone got one Permanent Secretary position; when the FCC discovered that it had no representation in federal ministries. Successive governments have also done their beats in ensuring that the FCC promotes national unity and address cases of regional imbalances. Aware that the federal character principle is crucial to every activity of government, the Legislature has shown commitment towards ensuring that the FCC meets its responsibilities. To underscore this, the House of Representatives, and Senate have Committee on Federal Character; and Committee on Federal Character & Governmental Affairs, respectively to oversight the agency.
Though Nigeria’s federal character principle has been described as one of the best globally, in terms of policies and intended objectives, the operations and implementation has not been too successful. Indeed, it recorded marginal positives in the past few years. The FCC was bogged with allegations of corruption and manipulation; complaints of lack of transparency; alleged inequitable distribution of opportunities and resources; perceived inertia and ambiguities; and alleged over-ambitious tendencies. The serial controversies also bordered on alleged favouritism, mismanagement, and abuse of office led to disputes, protests, and polarization, which grossly affected the agency’s output. In fact, some people wondered why it was difficult for the FCC to wriggle out of the challenges that made the effective implementation of policies difficult. They argued that, something must give for the FCC to be re-positioned for improvement, and efficient service delivery.
Identifying the FCC as a critical component of the realization of the Renewed Hope Agenda, may have informed the nomination of Hon. Ayo Hulayat Omidiran by President Bola Tinubu as the Executive Chairman of the FCC, and subsequent confirmation by the Senate on 27 November 2025. That President Tinubu made sweeping changes at the agency, by appointing over 30 others (to serve as National Commissioners/Members of the Board) succinctly shows his commitment towards addressing imbalances in the MDAs. There have been divergent opinions about the necessity, timely intervention, and the choices made by Tinubu. Many who applauded the move, described it as a frank action reflecting the government’s vision for all-inclusivity. Some other people believe that it signposts government’s resolve to ensure equity, fairness, and fairness across all MDAs. However, a few others, though not doubting the capacity of the new Chairman, wondered if she can literally make omelette out of eggs.
A few days back, the writer had a brief discussion with a very senior retired civil servant on the changes at the FCC, challenges, and other relevant issues. The hugely experienced technocrat who occupied top positions across strategic ministries during his over three decades career provided useful insights about the peculiarities of the agency as the clearing house for all human resources matters in the federal bureaucracy. While opting for anonymity, he revealed that, “to succeed at the FCC, the chief executive must be resolute, resilient, and committed. Also, advocacy, networking skills, and leadership are very necessary. Happily, from what I have read and heard about her, I think she has these qualities. Interestingly, during my tour of duties in the civil service, I had the opportunity of observing her on a few occasions, during interactions with four different committees at the House of Representatives. She came across as a meticulously focussed politician whose knack for details, fairness, and equity was unequivocal.”
Going by Omidiran’s antecedents, her appointment may not be wrong. Her life and career odysseys reveal that she’s in a familiar terrain. As a student leader at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria; sports administrator; lawmaker; politician; and philanthropist, her life revolves around advocacy for equality, fairness, and justice. In Zaria, where she read Biochemistry, as an Executive Member of the popular Amina Hall, she fought for better, improved, and quality facilities for the all-female hall. Her advocacy for fair representation, equity, and improved welfare for footballers which she started as the Founder of the hugely successful Omidiran Babes remains sources of inspiration to stakeholders in the sector. Leveraging on her pursuits for common good, many globally recognized associations have appointed her into different positions at various times. It includes Member, FIFA Women’s Football Committee – since 2006; Chairperson, NFF Women’s Football Committee; Board Member, Nigerian Football Association, and a few others.
From empirical data, Omidiran, who represented Ayedaade/Irewole/Isokan Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, from 2011 to 2019, distinguished herself creditably.
During her time at the House, where she was the Deputy Chairman, Committee on Sports, and Member of Committees on Communications, Interior, Justice, Solid Minerals, Women Affairs, Women In Parliament, and a few others, the Osun-born amazon was rated as one of the top-fliers. She was reputed to be very strong in advocacy, insightful in contributions, engaging in oversight. Her passion for excellence was as deep as her commitment to every cause that was geared towards the general well-being of Nigerians; anchored on transparency, integrity, fairness, and equality – pillars on which the FCC was created. A staff member of the National Assembly bureaucracy, who pleaded anonymity declared, “Madam was very dutiful, vocal, and upright at meetings. She was a detribalized lawmaker who emphasized fairness to all.”
General perceptions about the FCC are not encouraging, just as the mood of the staff members. There are reports that workers’ morale are low; unresolved welfare matters; and some other operational issues which may be traceable to alleged divisions witnessed in the last few years. Aside from these, there are worries about the possibility of Omidiran meeting the expectations of Nigerians. More importantly, how she justifies the confidence reposed in her by President Tinubu, and the All Progressives Congress, (APC) remains a big puzzle.
A very senior political journalist who has covered the National Assembly for about two decades affirmed that, “having observed her at close quarters in the House, I can boldly state that she will achieve milestones at the agency.” Continuing, the veteran journalist who craved anonymity said, “she’s a go-getter, bridge-builder, and resourceful politician who is ever resolute in realizing objectives.”
Indeed, going by Omidiran’s comments at the first interface with the FCC, she seems to know the task ahead; and prepared for it. Her declaration that the agency was not established solely, to regulate public service appointments but to uphold justice, promote inclusion, and foster unity, took many staff members unawares. It confirmed her readiness and preparedness for the job.
That Omidiran repeatedly emphasized on fairness, equity, and justice as being “essential to building trust in public institutions and strenghthening of the Nigerian state” shows her desire to re-position, and re-invigorate the agency for quality performances and realistic service delivery. Her five-year strategic plan to guide the agency’s operations, which is anchored on institutional reforms, capacity building and professionalization, digital transformation, public engagement and citizens enlightenment, collaboration with MDAs and other stakeholders reveals her depth of knowledge, commitment to positive change, and desire for breaking grounds. Her pledge that the agency, “would discharge its responsibilities with humility, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to(wards) ensuring (that) equity is not only articulated in policy statements but consistently practiced in governance outcomes” is what a staff member described as, “the most assuring and inspiring statement by any Chairman of the agency.”
As Omidiran; the new sheriff at the FCC settles in her new office, many stakeholders, confident about her performances, have equally admonish her to be wary of interlopers, and scavengers. They believe that if she sustains the “fire and energy” seen since her assumption of office, Omidiran may emerge as the most successful FCC boss since 1999. One hopes, she will provide the silver lining that will make the FCC one of the most resourceful and responsive agency in the President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
BOLAJI AFOLABI, a Development Communications specialist was with the Office of Public Affairs, The Presidency, Abuja.