Appointments by Tinubu Favours The North More Than The South- FCC Chairman
The acting Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC) Hon. Kayode Oladele has said the appointments made by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu favours the North more than the South.
Oladele stated this in a statement made available to nigerianecho.com.ng noting that
the northern region accounts for 401 positions, representing 56.3 per cent of the total, while the southern region holds 311 positions, or 43.7 per cent.
The former Chairman of the House of Representative Committee on Financial Crimes said the Tinubu administration strives to uphold fairness, inclusion, and national balance. He added that available data reflect deliberate efforts to ensure equitable representation across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
Cabinet appointments under President Bola Tinubu are led by the North-west and South-west, each with 11 ministers, representing 22.9 per cent of the cabinet. The North-central follows with eight ministers (16.6 per cent), while the North-east accounts for seven (14.5 per cent). The South-south has six ministers (12.5 per cent), and the South-east trails with five (10.4 per cent), bringing the total number of cabinet members to 48.
Data from the Federal Character Commission indicate that the North-west also holds the largest share of federal leadership positions, with 157 appointments (22.1 per cent). The North-central follows with 139 positions (19.5 per cent), and the South-West with 132 (18.5 per cent). The North-east accounts for 105 positions (14.7 per cent), while the South-South and South-East have 91 (12.8 per cent) and 88 (12.4 per cent) respectively.
Overall, the northern region accounts for 401 positions, representing 56.3 per cent of the total, while the southern region holds 311 positions, or 43.7 per cent.
In the distribution of Permanent Secretaries, the North-central leads with 19.5 per cent, while the North-east, North-west, and South-south each account for 17.1 per cent. The South-east and South-west follow with 14.6 per cent apiece.
“These figures provide clear evidence of deliberate inclusion and underscore the President’s commitment to national balance and faithful implementation of the Federal Character principle,” Mr Oladele said.
The FCC, established under Section 14(3) of the 1999 Constitution and its enabling Act, remains the primary institution mandated to promote and enforce equitable distribution of positions and socio-economic benefits among the country’s federating units.
According to Mr Oladele, “equity is the foundation of hope,” and citizens’ trust in government depends on visible fairness in appointments, contracts, and opportunities.
Oladele noted that institutional reforms are underway. He outlined a series of reform initiatives he had introduced since he assumed office to strengthen institutional efficiency and accountability.
One of these is the reinstatement of the Committee System, which assigns oversight of specific Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to Commissioners for closer monitoring and participatory decision-making.
He also cited enhanced stakeholder engagement with key institutions, including the National Assembly, Office of the Head of Civil Service, Police Service Commission, NSIA, DSS, ICPC, NYSC, and the Federal Road Safety Corps, to harmonise recruitment processes and deepen transparency.
