The Federal Character Commission (FCC) and the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) have reaffirmed their commitment to promoting equity and inclusivity in governance through a recent advocacy visit.
The visit aimed to strengthen the partnership between the two organizations and to explore ways to deepen public awareness of the federal character principle.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of the FCC, highlighted the importance of the partnership between the FCC and CISLAC.
He noted that the FCC’s mandate is to ensure equitable representation in public service appointments and promotions, guarantee fair distribution of socio-economic resources, and monitor and enforce compliance with the federal character principle across all institutions.
The FCC Chairman emphasized the crucial role that civil society organizations like CISLAC play in promoting equity and inclusivity in governance.
He noted that NGOs help to raise awareness of citizens’ rights under the federal character principle, monitor processes, collect data, and report violations. He also highlighted the importance of civil society in creating trust between institutions and citizens.
The FCC Chairman called on CISLAC to continue its work in deepening public awareness of the federal character principle and to help the FCC reach communities at the grassroots with the message that fairness is their right.
He also urged CISLAC to help hold institutions accountable when they fall short of the principle of equity.
The FCC Chairman emphasized the need to build mechanisms that make equity not only a principle but a daily practice in Nigeria. He noted that the FCC remains open to collaboration with CISLAC and other civil society organizations to ensure that the Nigerian people remain informed, empowered, and engaged in this national project.
CISLAC’s team leader praised the FCC for its openness to collaboration and pledged continued support in promoting inclusivity, transparency, and accountability in governance.
