The Senate Committee on Federal Character and Inter-Governmental Affairs has screened 38 nominees for appointment as Chairman and Commissioners of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), respectively.
The screening exercise, held on Thursday, was presided over by the committee chairman, Senator Allwell Heacho Onyesoh (PDP, Rivers East).
The nominees were earlier forwarded to the committee by the Senate at plenary following a request from the President Bola Tinubu for Senate confirmation of the appointees.
The President’s request was read during the Senate plenary on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, after which it was referred to the committee for further legislative action.
In line with Senate procedures, the committee conducted comprehensive due diligence on all nominees. This included security screenings — such as Police fingerprint reports — and verification of asset declarations with the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB).
The committee also assessed each nominee’s preparedness and competence to uphold the federal character principles as mandated by the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
Among those screened was Hon. (Mrs.) Ayo Hulayat Omidiran from Osun State, nominated to serve as chairman of the FCC.
She appeared alongside 37 other nominees representing 36 States across the federation and the FCT.
Speaking with journalists after the exercise, Senator Onyesoh described the screening as smooth and successful, adding that the committee’s report would be presented to the Senate for consideration and final confirmation.
“The committee has diligently carried out its mandate and will submit its report to the Senate for further legislative action,” he said.
Senator Onyesoh reiterated the importance of the Federal Character Commission in promoting fairness, equity, and national inclusion in federal appointments and the distribution of national resources.
He emphasised that the committee’s work reflects the Senate’s commitment to safeguarding these constitutional principles.
The committee’s report is expected to be submitted to the Senate in plenary in the coming days.
