Federal Character Principle Won’t Kill Merit, Says FCC Acting Chair

The Acting Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Hon. Kayode Oladele, has reaffirmed that the commission will not compromise merit in its recruitment processes into federal establishments, insisting that the principle of federal character will undermine competence.

Oladele stated this on Thursday during an interactive meeting with the Director-General of the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP), Dr. Obiageli Amadiobi, and her management team at the FCC headquarters in Abuja.

“The FCC under my watch will not step down merit in the name of implementing federal character,” Oladele said. “We are not de-marketing merit; rather, we shall promote it in all recruitment exercises across ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs).”

He commended the NOTAP boss for her willingness to work with the FCC to strengthen fairness and equity in staff distribution, describing such collaboration as vital to correcting lopsidedness in nominal rolls and promoting peace and unity in the country.

The acting FCC chairman urged NOTAP to address the identified gaps in its staff composition during future recruitments. He also restated the Commission’s mandate to ensure fairness in the distribution of posts, infrastructure, and socioeconomic amenities among all federating units.

Oladele warned that any MDA found flouting the constitutional guidelines for federal recruitment would face sanctions, including prosecution.

“The Federal Character Commission is a powerful establishment with constitutional backing to enforce compliance, including the power to recruit on behalf of agencies,” he said. “Collaboration in line with the constitution will promote fairness, reduce agitations, and foster peace.”

Responding, Dr. Amadiobi expressed appreciation for the meeting, describing it as “purpose-driven” and a significant step toward fulfilling the core mandates of both agencies. She pledged to adhere strictly to FCC guidelines and to involve the Commission in subsequent recruitment exercises.