President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sworn in the newly appointed Chairman and Commissioners of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), marking the formal commencement of a new leadership phase for the constitutional body tasked with promoting equity, fairness, and national cohesion in Nigeria’s public service.
The swearing-in ceremony took place on Thursday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where the President administered the oath of office to the Chairman, Hulayat Ayo Omidiran, alongside 37 commissioners representing the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory. The event underscored the administration’s commitment to strengthening institutions responsible for upholding inclusiveness and balanced representation in governance.
During the inauguration, President Tinubu congratulated the new Chairman and members of the Commission, urging them to approach their responsibilities with integrity, patriotism, and a strong sense of national duty. He emphasized that the Federal Character Commission plays a critical role in fostering unity and stability in Nigeria by ensuring that no region, ethnic group, or state is marginalized in federal appointments and resource allocation.
Hulayat Omidiran brings to the position a wealth of experience in public service and leadership. A former two-term member of the House of Representatives, she represented her federal constituency between 2011 and 2019. Her career spans legislative work, administration, and advocacy, positioning her to steer the Commission toward effective enforcement of its constitutional mandate.
The Commissioners, drawn from across the country, were also charged with working collectively to strengthen the credibility of the Commission. Their role includes monitoring compliance with federal character principles across ministries, departments, and agencies, as well as advising government on policies that promote fairness and inclusion.
President Tinubu noted that in a country as diverse as Nigeria, equity in governance is essential for peace and sustainable development. He described the FCC as a moral compass for the nation, stressing that its effectiveness depends on the commitment, impartiality, and courage of its leadership to act in the national interest at all times.
Established by the Constitution, the Federal Character Commission is responsible for ensuring that Nigeria’s diversity is reflected in public institutions, appointments, and decision-making processes. The Commission exists to prevent the concentration of power or opportunities in the hands of a few and to promote a sense of belonging among all citizens.
With the inauguration of the new Chairman and Commissioners, expectations are high that the FCC will intensify efforts to enforce compliance, address longstanding imbalances, and contribute meaningfully to national unity. The new leadership is expected to uphold the principles of fairness and justice that lie at the heart of Nigeria’s federal system and to strengthen public confidence in the Commission’s role as a guardian of equity.
