Federal Character Commission Act (Amendment) Bill

A Bill amends the Federal Character Commission Act to strengthen its mandate and enforcement powers. It ensures equitable representation of all states and geopolitical zones in federal appointments and institutions. The amendment empowers the commission to monitor and sanction non-compliant federal agencies.

Federal Character Commission Act (Amendment) Bill Policy Overview

What Is This Policy?

An amendment to strengthen the Federal Character Commission's mandate, enforcement powers, and monitoring capacity to ensure equitable representation of all Nigerian states, ethnic groups, and geopolitical zones in federal appointments, institutions, and resource distribution.

Who Does It Target?

All federal ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) Federal government appointments (ministers, directors, commissioners) Federal educational institutions and public enterprises Marginalised states and geopolitical zones

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

Ensure strict compliance with federal character principles in all federal appointments Empower the FCC to sanction non-compliant federal institutions Update representation benchmarks to reflect current demographic realities Reduce north-south, urban-rural, and gender disparities in federal appointments

Key Features

Current Status

Funding: FCC annual government budget allocation

How to Access

Complaints of non-compliance filed with the Federal Character Commission. Requirements: Any citizen or state may file a non-compliance complaint MDAs required to submit quarterly staffing returns to FCC Complaints must cite specific federal institution and appointment Application method: FCC offices nationwide or online: www.federalcharacter.gov.ng

Important Terms

Non-compliance may result in appointment nullification Persistent violators face budget sanction referrals to the National Assembly Anonymous complaints accepted and protected

Impact & Metrics

Surveys show significant disparities in federal appointments by state and zone; the amendment targets 80% compliance with federal character standards across all MDAs by 2027.

Official Resources

Website: www.federalcharacter.gov.ng Contact: Federal Character Commission — [email protected] Federal Republic of Nigeria — Policy Summary Document | March 2026

Legal Framework

Federal Character Commission Act (Cap F7, LFN 2004) (principal Act being amended); Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (Section 14(3) on federal character); Public Service Rules