Tinubu’s appointments fair, inclusive, says Federal Character Commission Chairman
The Acting Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Kayode Oladele, has said that recent appointments made by President Bola Tinubu reflect fairness, inclusion, and a deliberate effort to ensure national balance.
Speaking at the opening of a one-day workshop on “Strengthening Leadership and Management Excellence in the Federal Character Commission in Line with the Renewed Hope Agenda,” Mr Oladele said available data on the composition of federal leadership positions show a conscious commitment to equity and national representation under the current administration.
Presenting new figures on the geo-political distribution of federal leadership positions, the FCC chairman said available data demonstrate deliberate inclusion under the Tinubu administration.
For cabinet appointments, the North-west currently leads with 12 ministers (24.4 per cent), followed by the South-west with 11 ministers (22.4 per cent). The South-south has 10 (20.4 per cent) and the North-central has eight (16.3 per cent).
The North-east is closely behind with seven (14.2 per cent) ministers and the South-east with six (12.2 per cent), bringing the total to 49.
A similar balance, Mr Oladele noted, is reflected in the distribution of Directors-General, Executive Secretaries, and Chief Executives across federal agencies. He said the North-west accounts for 22.1 per cent of such positions, North-central 19.5 per cent, South-west 18.5 per cent, North-east 14.7 per cent, South-south 12.8 per cent, and South-east 12.4 per cent.
In the distribution of Permanent Secretaries, the North-central accounts for 19.5 per cent, the North-east and North-west 17.1 per cent each, the South-south 17.1 per cent, the South-east 14.6 per cent, and the South-west 14.6 per cent.
“These figures provide clear evidence of deliberate inclusion and underscore the President’s commitment to national balance and faithful implementation of the Federal Character principle,” Mr Oladele said.
Renewed Hope and the FCC’s Mandate
Mr Oladele noted that the Renewed Hope Agenda launched by President Tinubu sets a moral and constitutional framework for inclusive governance, ensuring that every Nigerian, regardless of origin or background, has an equal opportunity to participate in national development.
He said the FCC, established under Section 14(3) of the Nigerian Constitution and its enabling Act, remains the primary institution mandated to promote and enforce equitable distribution of positions and socio-economic benefits among the country’s federating units.
According to Mr Oladele, “equity is the foundation of hope,” and citizens’ trust in government depends on visible fairness in appointments, contracts, and opportunities.
“The FCC must embody the very principles it was created to uphold: leadership, fairness, efficiency, and professionalism,” he told staff of the FCC, including directors, commissioners, and staff of the Commission.
Institutional Reforms Underway
Mr Oladele outlined a series of initiatives introduced since he assumed office to strengthen institutional efficiency and accountability.
One of these is the reinstatement of the Committee System, which assigns oversight of specific Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to Commissioners for closer monitoring and participatory decision-making.
He also cited enhanced stakeholder engagement with key institutions, including the National Assembly, Office of the Head of Civil Service, Police Service Commission, NSIA, SaidSS, ICPC, NYSC, and the Federal Road Safety Corps, to harmonise recruitment processes and deepen transparency.
On staff welfare, he said the commission has implemented payment of arrears to retired directors and improved allowances for corps members and staff, while also embarking on the digital modernisation of its data systems.
A key project, he announced, is the planned Integrated Federal Character Compliance Database (IFCCD), which will enable real-time tracking of compliance levels across all MDAs.
“The goal is to make our monitoring and enforcement evidence-based, transparent, and efficient,” he said.
Leadership, Ethics and Capacity Building
The workshop, Mr Oladele said, forms part of a broader human resource development plan aimed at building ethical, competent, and innovative leadership across the Commission’s zonal and state offices.
He urged participants to “embrace excellence as the new standard,” emphasising values such as fairness, accountability, teamwork, and innovation.
“Leadership is not about authority; it is about service, empathy, and responsibility,” he said. “Every officer of the commission is a custodian of national trust.”
READ ALSO: Over N38 billion revenue generated in solid minerals sector in 2024 – Tinubu
From Compliance to Impact
Looking ahead, the FCC plans to measure the real impact of its interventions through periodic Federal Character Impact Reports, which will assess compliance across sectors, highlight best practices, and identify gaps.
Mr Oladele said this will help expand public awareness about the Federal Character Principle and stimulate dialogue on fairness, merit, and inclusivity in governance.
A Call to Renewed Service
Concluding his remarks, the FCC chairman called on all senior managers to align their leadership ethos with the Renewed Hope philosophy by leading with integrity and managing with excellence.
“Our success will not be measured by the number of circulars we issue, but by the trust we rebuild among citizens and the harmony we nurture across the federation,” he said.
Mr Oladele reaffirmed that the commission will continue to collaborate with government agencies, universities, and civil society partners to institutionalise fairness, transparency, and meritocracy in public appointments.
“Let us commit ourselves anew to lead with integrity, manage with excellence, and serve with fairness. This is the essence of the Renewed Hope Agenda.”