Abuja: Mr Oladele Kayode, Acting Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), emphasized that equity in employment, projects, and opportunities is a constitutional right for every Nigerian, rather than a favour. He made this statement on Thursday in Abuja during a meeting with Mr Auwal Rafsanjani, the Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), who was on an advocacy visit.

According to News Agency of Nigeria, Kayode highlighted that the commission’s mandate is enshrined in Section 14 (3) of the 1999 Constitution and the FCC Act of 1996, underscoring that equity and fairness are fundamental to Nigeria’s unity. He stated that the FCC’s responsibility is to ensure equitable representation in public service appointments and promotions, ensure fair distribution of socio-economic resources, and enforce compliance with the federal character principle across institutions.

Kayode further explained that the FCC’s mandate extends beyond federal ministries, departments, and agencies to include states, local governments, and large private corporations operating nationwide. He noted that at the state and local government levels, appointments, promotions, recruitment, and projects must reflect diversity and inclusiveness, and private sector companies employing thousands of Nigerians are also expected to uphold equity in their workforce and leadership.

He emphasized the necessity of partnerships with civil society organizations like CISLAC to raise public awareness of the commission’s work. Kayode mentioned that many people mistakenly believe that the FCC’s mandate is limited to fair job distribution, but it also encompasses equitable siting of schools, infrastructure, healthcare, and other social amenities. He commended CISLAC for promoting transparency and accountability, asserting that such collaboration strengthens inclusivity and public trust.

Kayode assured that the FCC is open to collaboration with stakeholders to enforce equity at all levels of government and within the private sector. He expressed optimism that through joint efforts, no Nigerian would feel excluded, and opportunities would be fairly shared.

Earlier, CISLAC’s executive director praised the FCC for its efforts in advancing national cohesion despite challenges associated with its mandate. Rafsanjani expressed readiness to collaborate with the FCC to enhance inclusivity, transparency, and public trust in governance. He outlined CISLAC’s intention to collaborate with the FCC in promoting public education on the commission’s principles and mandate, strengthening transparency and accountability in federal recruitment, and enhancing citizen engagement through participatory approaches.

Rafsanjani stressed that transparency in appointments and recruitment would not only reduce corruption but also foster meritocracy in public institutions. He asserted that when citizens perceive fairness in governance, they are more likely to trust public institutions, thereby reinforcing democracy and fostering national unity. Rafsanjani assured the FCC of CISLAC’s commitment to providing advocacy platforms, technical support on transparency initiatives, and visibility through strategic media engagements.