Tinubu swears in FCC chairman, 37 commissioners

Editor-in-chiefJanuary 22, 20265 Mins read23

Tinubu swears in FCC chairman, 37 commissioners

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Tinubu Swears in FCC Chairman, 37 Commissioners: A New Era for Federal Character Compliance

Introduction

In a significant move to bolster administrative compliance and national unity, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially sworn in the new Chairman and 37 Commissioners of the Federal Character Commission (FCC). This ceremony, held at the State House in Abuja, marks a pivotal transition in the leadership of the agency tasked with upholding Nigeria’s federal character principle.

The swearing-in of Hulayat Omidiran as the new FCC Chairman, alongside representatives from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), signals the administration’s renewed commitment to ensuring equitable distribution of national resources and public appointments. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the event, the profiles of the new appointees, the constitutional mandate of the FCC, and the practical implications of this leadership change for Nigeria’s socio-political landscape.

Key Points

**New Leadership Sworn In:** President Bola Tinubu inaugurated Hulayat Omidiran as the new FCC Chairman and 37 Commissioners at the State House, Abuja.
**Constitutional Mandate:** The FCC operates under Sections 14 and 153 of the 1999 Constitution to enforce the federal character principle.
**Background of the Chair:** Hulayat Omidiran is a former two-term member of the House of Representatives representing Osun State.
**Senate Confirmation:** The appointments followed statutory vetting, including security screening and Senate confirmation in late 2025.
**State Representation:** The 37 commissioners include representatives from all 36 states and the FCT, ensuring nationwide coverage.
**Succession:** Omidiran succeeds Dr. Muheeba Dankaka, whose tenure was described by the Presidency as "dogged by controversy."
**Agency Role:** The FCC is responsible for equitable guidelines in public service appointments and infrastructure distribution.

Background

The Federal Character Commission (FCC)

The Federal Character Commission is a critical institution in Nigeria’s democratic framework. Established by **Act No. 34 of 1996** and enshrined in the **1999 Constitution (as amended)**, the FCC was created to prevent the domination of any ethnic or regional group in federal appointments and the distribution of amenities. Its authority is derived from **Sections 14 and 153** of the Constitution, which mandate the commission to promote national unity and loyalty.

The FCC operates on the principle of “federal character,” a doctrine designed to ensure that appointments into federal offices reflect the diversity of Nigeria’s ethnic and linguistic groups. This is intended to foster a sense of belonging among all federating units and reduce inter-ethnic tensions.

The Transition of Leadership

The recent swearing-in follows a period of administrative adjustments within the commission. President Tinubu had initially announced the reappointment of the former Chairman, Dr. Muheeba Dankaka, earlier in the day on August 11, 2025. However, in a subsequent move, the President appointed Hulayat Omidiran to lead the commission, a decision that was ratified by the Senate on November 27, 2025.

This transition comes after the tenure of Dr. Dankaka, which the Presidency acknowledged was “dogged by controversy.” The change in leadership is viewed as an effort to streamline the operations of the FCC and restore public confidence in its neutrality and effectiveness.

Analysis

Profile of the New FCC Chairman: Hulayat Omidiran

The appointment of Hulayat Omidiran brings a wealth of legislative and administrative experience to the FCC. Here is an analysis of her background:

* **Legislative Experience:** Omidiran is a seasoned politician who served two terms in the House of Representatives (2011–2019). She represented the Ayedaade/Irewole/Isokan Federal Constituency in Osun State.
* **Educational and Professional Background:** At 59 years old, she possesses the maturity and experience required to navigate the complex political landscape of federal character compliance.
* **Political Alignment:** As a nominee of the current administration, her appointment aligns with President Tinubu’s broader strategy of placing loyal and experienced individuals in key regulatory positions.

The Commissioner Corps: A National Snapshot

The swearing-in of 37 commissioners is a routine but vital aspect of the FCC’s structure. By law, the commission must have at least one commissioner from each of the 36 states and the FCT. This ensures that every region has a direct representative within the agency responsible for protecting their interests.

The list of sworn-in commissioners includes a mix of technocrats, politicians, and community leaders. For example:
* **Lagos State:** AbdulWasiu Bawalla
* **Enugu State:** Peter Eze
* **Kano State:** Muhammad Awwal Nayya
* **FCT:** Solomon Dagami

The diversity of these appointees is intended to mirror the federal character principle the commission itself is meant to enforce.

Legal and Constitutional Implications

The swearing-in of these officials restores the full operational capacity of the FCC. Without a full board, the commission’s ability to investigate complaints and enforce guidelines is often hampered. The confirmation of Hulayat Omidiran and the commissioners by the Senate fulfills the constitutional requirement for checks and balances.

Under the FCC Act, the commission has the power to:
1. Formulate guidelines for appointments into public service institutions.
2. Investigate complaints of imbalance in federal appointments.
3. Sanction federal agencies that violate federal character quotas.

The new leadership is now legally empowered to execute these mandates without hindrance.

Practical Advice

For Federal Agencies and Ministries

With the new FCC board in place, federal agencies should prepare for stricter compliance monitoring. Here are actionable steps for HR departments in government parastatals:
* **Audit Current Staffing:** Review current appointments to ensure they reflect the federal character quota.
* **Update Recruitment Guidelines:** Align recruitment policies with the latest directives expected from the new FCC leadership.
* **Engage with Commissioners:** State-specific agencies should establish communication channels with their respective FCC commissioners to address local imbalances.

For Job Seekers and Civil Servants

The reconstitution of the FCC has direct implications for employment in the public sector:
* **Fair Competition:** The FCC’s oversight aims to ensure that recruitment processes are free from ethnic bias.
* **Complaint Mechanisms:** If you perceive a lack of representation in federal recruitment, the FCC is the primary body to address such grievances. Citizens are encouraged to document evidence and file formal complaints through the FCC’s official channels.

For State Governments

State governments should leverage the presence of their respective commissioners to advocate for equitable infrastructure distribution. The FCC does not only oversee personnel appointments but also the distribution of socio-economic amenities. States can work with their commissioners to highlight underserved areas in need of federal projects.

FAQ

**Who is the new FCC Chairman?**
The new Chairman of the Federal Character Commission is Hulayat Omidiran, a former member of the House of Representatives from Osun State.

**How many commissioners were sworn in?**
A total of 37 commissioners were sworn in, representing the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

**What is the legal basis of the FCC?**
The FCC is established under Act No. 34 of 1996 and is backed by Sections 14 and 153 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

**What happened to the former FCC Chairman?**
The former Chairman, Dr. Muheeba Dankaka, was initially reappointed but was subsequently replaced by Hulayat Omidiran. The Presidency noted that her previous tenure was “dogged by controversy.”

**When was the appointment confirmed?**
The Senate confirmed Hulayat Omidiran’s appointment on November 27, 2025, following security screening and a hearing before the Senate Committee on Federal Character and Inter-Governmental Affairs.

**Does the FCC have power over private sector employment?**
No, the FCC’s mandate primarily covers federal government appointments, civil service positions, security agencies, and government parastatals. It does not directly regulate private sector employment, though it monitors federal contracts and licenses.

Conclusion

The swearing-in of Hulayat Omidiran and the 37 commissioners by President Bola Tinubu represents a critical reset for the Federal Character Commission. As Nigeria continues to navigate the complexities of a diverse federation, the role of the FCC in maintaining balance and equity cannot be overstated.

The new leadership inherits a mandate that is both legally weighty and politically sensitive. Their success will be measured by their ability to enforce the federal character principle without fear or favor, ensuring that every Nigerian, regardless of their state of origin, has a fair opportunity to contribute to national development. As the commissioners settle into their roles, federal agencies and citizens alike will be watching closely to see how this new chapter impacts the equitable distribution of national opportunities.