FEDERAL CHARACTER COMMISSION ACT
Act · Governance
An Act establishes the Federal Character Commission to ensure equitable distribution of government appointments and resources across Nigeria's states and zones. It targets federal agencies and applicants for positions to promote proportional representation. This fosters national unity and prevents domination by any group.
FEDERAL CHARACTER COMMISSION ACT
What Is This Policy?
An Act establishing the Federal Character Commission (FCC) to implement the constitutional principle of federal character, ensuring equitable distribution of government appointments and resources across Nigeria's states and geopolitical zones.
Who Does It Target?
Federal Government MDAs making appointments The Federal Character Commission State governments and their agencies Applicants for federal government positions
What Does It Aim to Achieve?
Ensure no state, ethnic group, or religion dominates the federal government by requiring proportional representation of all Nigerian groups in government appointments, contracts, and distributions.
Key Features
Appointment Monitoring: FCC monitors federal appointments to ensure compliance with federal character distribution formulas. Enforcement Powers: FCC may nullify appointments that violate federal character principles. Formula Development: FCC develops and applies distribution formulas across states and local governments. Reporting: FCC reports annually to the President on the state of federal character compliance.
Current Status
Rollout Stage: Active — FCC is operational Coverage: All federal government institutions and agencies Beneficiaries: All Nigerian groups through equitable representation Funding: Federal Government
How to Access
MDAs must consult FCC guidelines before making senior appointments FCC may be engaged for compliance advice Citizens may report apparent violations to FCC Application method: Engage FCC at its Abuja headquarters for compliance queries.
Important Terms
Federal character applies to both political appointments and civil service FCC has power to recommend reversal of non-compliant appointments State governments are encouraged but not legally required to apply federal character principles
Official Resources
Website: https://www.fcc.gov.ng Contact: Federal Character Commission (FCC)
Legal Framework
Enacted under the legislative powers of the National Assembly as the Federal Character Commission (FCC) Act (Cap F7 LFN 2004) to give effect to Section 14(3) of the 1999 Constitution and the Third Schedule (Part I, para. 24) establishing the FCC. Operates alongside the Public Service Rules, the Civil Service Act, and the ICPC Act (for enforcement of breaches). Aligns with the Constitution's overarching federal character principle enshrined in Sections 14 and 153.