The Nigerian Senate has launched a probe into several Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) over alleged violations of the Federal Character principle in recruitment and resource allocation.
The principle, outlined in Sections 14(3) and 14(4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), requires the fair representation of all ethnic and regional groups in government institutions to promote unity and prevent domination by any one group. However, lawmakers say this rule has been regularly ignored, causing growing feelings of marginalisation among Nigerians.
The probe was initiated after a motion raised by Senate Minority Whip, Osita Ngwu (PDP, Enugu West), was debated and adopted on March 25, 2025. Following this, the Senate Committee on Federal Character began questioning heads of MDAs this week.
Committee Chairman, Senator Allwell Onyesoh (PDP, Rivers East), warned that the probe would be thorough and that no agency would be allowed to withhold documents.
“Too many agencies have ignored the law. This has weakened trust in the system,” Onyesoh said. “The President is fully behind this process, and no official will be shielded.”
He added that the investigation is not meant to punish but to correct wrongs and restore equity and national unity. The Senate may also consider reforms like creating a Federal Character Compliance Tribunal to strengthen enforcement.
Senator Simon Lalong (APC, Plateau South), the committee’s vice chairman, also warned that the Senate would hold violators accountable in the interest of fairness and national cohesion.
The first set of MDAs to face the probe starting next week includes the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC), Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), National Pension Commission (PenCom), and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), among others.
The Senate has promised full transparency and urged Nigerians to follow the hearings closely.
