The Senate Committee on Federal Character and Intergovernmental Affairs, on Wednesday, expressed serious concern over the persistent underfunding of the Federal Character Commission (FCC) in the 2026 budget.
They warned that inadequate budgetary allocation is hampering the Commission’s ability to discharge its constitutional mandate.
The concern was raised during the Commission’s 2026 budget defence session at the National Assembly in Abuja.
Presenting the Commission’s proposed ₦6.5 billion budget, Executive Chairman of the FCC, Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, explained that limited funding has significantly weakened the Commission’s operational capacity, particularly in monitoring compliance across over 700 Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
Omidiran noted that without adequate funding, the Commission cannot effectively ensure fairness, balance and equal representation in federal appointments and public service.
She said: “We are appealing to the Senate to support improved funding for the Commission. Federal Character is a constitutional duty, and we must be equipped to enforce it effectively for the good of national unity.”
In a statement by FCC spokesperson Ademola Lawrence, the commission noted that Chairman of the Senate Committee on Federal Character and Intergovernmental Affairs, Senator Allwell Heacho, described the funding gap as a serious setback.
In a statement by FCC spokesperson Ademola Lawrence, the Commission disclosed that the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Federal Character and Intergovernmental Affairs, Allwell Heacho, described the existing funding gap as a major setback to the Commission’s performance.
Heacho said: “Federal Character is not optional. It is backed by the Constitution. The Commission responsible for enforcing it must be properly funded to deliver.”
He assured the Senate Committee that the FCC is committed to supporting the FCC in strengthening its operations and improving accountability across government institutions.
With growing legislative backing from both Senate and House Committees overseeing federal character matters, the FCC is expected to intensify efforts to strengthen enforcement of compliance standards and improve service delivery nationwide.
