The Nigerian Senate is set to begin investigative hearings on Wednesday, 7 May 2025, into allegations of the abuse and ineffective implementation of the federal character principle by key government agencies.
The investigation comes after a motion raised by Senator Osita Ngwu (Enugu West) in March, which was adopted by the Senate.
The hearings will take place at the Equal Opportunities Hearing Room 211 in the Senate Building at the National Assembly Complex led by the Senate Committee on Federal Character and Inter-Governmental Affairs, chaired by Senator Allwell Heacho Onyesoh (Rivers East).
The motion, titled Urgent Need to Address Systemic Abuse and Ineffective Implementation of the Federal Character Principle, condemned the continued non-compliance with the federal character requirements outlined in Sections 14(3) and 14(4) of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution (as amended).
These provisions mandate fair and equitable distribution of national appointments and infrastructure projects across all regions and ethnic groups in the country.
Among the key agencies named in the motion are the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and its subsidiaries, including the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission.
Other organizations under scrutiny include the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, the Nigerian Ports Authority, the National Pension Commission, and the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation.
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Several academic institutions, such as the Federal University of Technology Akure and the National Library of Nigeria, are also implicated in the alleged disregard for the federal character principle.
Other entities include the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria, the Energy Commission of Nigeria, the Solid Minerals Development Fund, and the Nigeria Nuclear Regulatory Authority.
Senator Onyesoh confirmed in a statement on 6 May 2025 that invitations and requests for documentation had been sent to all the relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies involved in the allegations. The hearings are expected to last several weeks, with the Committee scheduled to submit its findings within three months.
The investigation also includes a public call for submissions, inviting individuals to submit memoranda or other relevant information either at the hearing venue or via email at clerk.scfciga.ng@gmail.com. This step highlights the Senate’s commitment to conducting a transparent and inclusive inquiry.
The probe comes at a time when issues of marginalization and regional imbalance in federal appointments have sparked growing concern across the country.
This investigation is expected to examine whether the government has upheld its constitutional obligations to promote fairness and national unity, and to hold accountable those responsible for systemic inequities in key public agencies.
The Senate’s investigation into the abuse of the federal character principle marks a crucial step in ensuring that Nigeria’s diversity is properly represented and that every region has equal access to opportunities for national development.
Crediblenewsng.com
