The Federal Character Commission has put MDAs on notice. Tougher penalties await those who violate the Federal Character Act.
This warning came during a meeting between the Nigerian Ports Authority and FCC officials in Abuja. Both institutions discussed the Commission's updated compliance framework and new sanctions regime.
Hon. Peter Eze chairs the FCC's Works, Transport and Aviation Committee.
He briefed NPA management on stricter monitoring and harsher penalties for non-compliant agencies.
According to Eze, the session aimed to check NPA's compliance levels. It also sought to strengthen ties between the institutions on fairness and equity in public service.
"The essence of this engagement is to evaluate the performance of the Federal Character Commission's mandate," Eze told reporters. He stressed there would be "no room for non-compliance" going forward.
Eze disclosed that the Commission has introduced stricter oversight mechanisms. Violating MDAs now face stiffer consequences than before.
"They have been informed about our new rules, the penalties for violations and the measures we will take," he added. Eze said NPA leadership understood the Commission's position clearly.
NPA's Managing Director, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, pledged full compliance with Federal Character principles.
He called the meeting productive and necessary.
Dantsoho emphasized that government agencies cannot succeed without working together. "We cannot make meaningful progress without collaboration, partnership and ensuring that laid-down rules are complied with to the letter," he told the Commission.
According to him, teamwork among institutions drives better service delivery. National development depends on it, Dantsoho argued.
He praised the FCC's recent institutional reforms. Dantsoho commended the leadership of Executive Chairman Hon.
Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran for renewed transparency and accountability efforts.
Dantsoho expressed confidence that closer NPA-FCC collaboration would improve governance. Better adherence to the Federal Character Act would follow, he predicted.
Eze commended NPA for its cooperative stance. He welcomed the Authority's willingness to align fully with the FCC's mandate.
Stronger partnership between both bodies will promote good governance. It'll also foster fairness and strengthen national unity, Eze noted.
The FCC recently overhauled its operational guidelines under Omidiran's leadership. MDAs across government have been notified of the changes.
Compliance isn't optional anymore. Agencies ignoring Federal Character principles will face serious consequences.
