BY CHIJIOKE CHARLES
The Chairman of the Committee on Works, Transport and Aviation of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Hon. Peter Eze, has reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to enforcing strict compliance with the Federal Character Principle, following an interactive meeting with the management of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC).
Afrilensnews reports that the meeting was held as part of the Committee’s oversight responsibilities and was attended by the ICRC management led by its Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Jobson Ewalefoh.
Speaking after the engagement, Eze said the Federal Character Principle remains a constitutional requirement that all government institutions must observe in recruitment, promotion and equitable representation.
He stated: “During the engagement, I reiterated that the Federal Character Principle is a constitutional requirement that every government institution must strictly observe in recruitment, promotion and equitable representation. I also briefed the ICRC on the Commission’s new policy reforms, including the sanctions for non-compliance with the Federal Character guidelines.”
The Commissioner said the Committee also stressed the need for transparency, merit and inclusiveness in public service recruitment to ensure equal opportunities for qualified Nigerians irrespective of their background.
According to him, “The Committee emphasized the need for transparency, merit and inclusiveness in public service recruitment to ensure that every qualified Nigerian has a fair opportunity and a genuine sense of belonging.”
Eze further, disclosed that the Director-General of the ICRC, Dr. Jobson Ewalefoh, acknowledged the Committee’s observations and pledged the agency’s full compliance with the Federal Character Commission’s guidelines, policies and principles.
He added that the ICRC boss also assured the Committee that the Commission would continue to work closely with the FCC in future recruitment and promotion exercises.
Reaffirming the Committee’s position, Eze said: “Our Committee remains committed to constructive engagement with agencies under our supervision to ensure strict compliance with the Federal Character Principle and to promote equity, fairness and national unity in Nigeria’s public service.”
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The Federal Character Principle, established under the 1999 Constitution, is aimed at ensuring fairness and balanced representation of Nigeria’s diverse ethnic and regional groups in public service appointments.
The Federal Character Commission is empowered to monitor and enforce compliance among Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
The latest engagement underscores the FCC’s renewed enforcement drive and signals closer scrutiny of recruitment and promotion exercises across federal institutions, particularly following the introduction of new policy reforms and sanctions for violations of the Federal Character guidelines.
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