Title: FG Directs FCC to Enforce Federal Character Principle Strictly Across MDAs Date Published: 11 February 2026 Description: The Federal Government has ordered the Federal Character Commission (FCC) to step up enforcement of the federal character principle across all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), stressing that fairness, inclusion, and public trust in governance hinge on the commission’s effectiveness.The directive was issued on Tuesday in Abuja by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume, during a two-day induction and sensitisation workshop for members of the FCC’s fifth board. Akume was represented by his Senior Technical Adviser, Prof. Babatunde Bernard.Akume highlighted that the federal character principle is a constitutional requirement and a vital tool for national cohesion, insisting that it must be implemented strictly and without compromise.“This gathering is both timely and strategic, and I commend the commission for convening it with clarity of purpose and institutional foresight in line with the federal government’s commitment to strengthening governance inclusiveness and promoting effective public institutions,” he said.He urged board members to carry out their responsibilities with objectivity, professionalism, and unwavering loyalty to the constitution, noting that public confidence in fairness and justice in governance largely depends on their conduct.Akume also called on the FCC to adopt data-driven oversight mechanisms, promote transparency, and collaborate closely with stakeholders to ensure inclusive governance under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.In her remarks, FCC Chairman Ayo Omidiran described the workshop as a transition from appointment to purposeful service. She stressed that the fifth board would not operate on a “business as usual” basis and reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to ethical conduct, accountability, and fearless enforcement of the federal character principle.Omidiran described federal character as a stabilising framework for managing Nigeria’s diversity, adding that its faithful implementation would strengthen national unity, trust, and social harmony. “This induction workshop is designed to provide clarity of purpose, shared understanding, and strategic coherence. It reminds us why we are here, what the nation expects of us, and the importance of carrying out our responsibilities with discipline, professionalism, and absolute fidelity to the law,” she said.Also speaking, President Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila, emphasised the FCC’s strategic role in Nigeria’s constitutional architecture. He urged commissioners to balance inclusion with competence and professionalism, warning that federal character must never be reduced to mere symbolism or used to justify mediocrity.In a goodwill message, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on FCC, Mr. Ahmed Wase, assured the commission of the National Assembly’s support and urged members to prioritise national interest over personal considerations in their duties.The workshop, themed “Guiding the Effective Implementation and Enforcement of the Federal Character Principle,” is aimed at aligning the vision of the new board, enhancing internal cohesion, and equipping members with practical tools to strengthen compliance with the federal character principle. Attached Images: 9be080d689714bb8afbc0d31ef2e5d6d8f4aca6846890333e015e9e60346fee4.jpg Attached Video: None