The Federal Character Commission (FCC) and the Police Service Commission (PSC) have pledged to deepen inter-agency collaboration to promote fairness, equity, and inclusiveness in the recruitment and operations of the Nigeria Police Force.
The Acting Executive Chairman of the FCC, Hon. Kayode Oladele, made this known on Tuesday while welcoming the Chairman and members of the PSC on a courtesy visit to the FCC headquarters in Abuja.
Describing the visit as timely and significant, Hon. Oladele said the engagement underscores a shared commitment to constitutional values such as justice, equity, and national cohesion. He emphasised that a diverse and inclusive police force is essential to building public trust, enhancing national security, and sustaining peace across Nigeria.
“This meeting is not only a demonstration of inter-agency cooperation but also a testament to our shared commitment to the ideals of fairness, justice, equity, and national cohesion as enshrined in the Constitution,” Oladele stated.
He noted that the role of the PSC — particularly in appointments, promotions, and disciplinary matters in the Nigeria Police — intersects meaningfully with the FCC’s mandate of ensuring equitable representation in federal institutions.
Quoting Section 14 (3) of the 1999 Constitution, Oladele reiterated that all government organs, including security agencies, must reflect Nigeria’s federal character to foster unity and give every part of the country a sense of belonging.
“The mandate of the FCC extends beyond ministries and government agencies to include private and non-governmental entities where public interest and equity are at stake,” he said. “No sector, whether public or private, is exempt from the duty to uphold fairness and foster unity through equal opportunity.”
He noted that greater inclusion in police recruitment, training, and promotion processes will help communities see themselves represented in security agencies, fostering trust and legitimacy. According to him, this will strengthen preventive security measures and reduce feelings of marginalisation that often lead to social unrest.
“A police force that reflects the diversity of our country is not only a constitutional mandate but a practical strategy for national security and harmony,” he said.
Oladele assured the PSC that the FCC is ready to forge strategic partnerships that institutionalise equity without compromising merit. He expressed hope that both institutions could jointly develop action plans and frameworks to improve compliance, transparency, and capacity-building in law enforcement.
While commending the PSC for its efforts in upholding integrity and justice, Oladele reaffirmed the FCC’s willingness to monitor and support federal character compliance in the Nigeria Police Force, with the broader goal of fostering a more inclusive and secure Nigeria.
The visit, which brought together top officials of both commissions, is expected to strengthen collaboration in advancing good governance and national cohesion.
