By OKON OKON

The Federal Government on Tuesday unveiled the new digital website of the Federal Character Commission (FCC) as part of efforts to promote transparency, accountability and inclusive governance.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume, who performed the unveiling in Abuja, described the initiative as a strategic milestone in the commission’s evolution and Nigeria’s journey toward equity and good governance.

Akume said the FCC, as a constitutional body, remained central to ensuring equitable representation of all segments of the federation in public institutions.

He said the principle of federal character was not only a legal obligation, but also a moral imperative for nation-building, unity and national stability.

“In a country as diverse as Nigeria, the Federal Character Commission represents a cornerstone for trust in governance because it reassures every citizen that the Nigerian state belongs to all and serves all.

“The work of the commission must continue to evolve to reflect the demands of our time, driven by technology, data and citizens’ expectations for openness and transparency,” he said.

The SGF said the new website should function beyond a digital presence and become a dynamic governance tool for service delivery and accountability.

According to him, the platform should provide real-time access to data, guidelines, certifications, public inquiries and other official activities of the commission.

He urged the commission to leverage technology to publish compliance data, institutional reports and federal character indices in an open and verifiable manner.

Akume also called for data-driven decision making, innovation in regulatory oversight, enhanced citizen engagement and continuous performance measurement.

He commended the leadership and management of the commission for the initiative, describing it as a step toward strengthening public trust in government institutions.

Also speaking, the wife of the president, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, represented by Mrs Laila Jibrin, described the inauguration as a significant milestone in the commission’s institutional advancement and national cohesion.

She commended the Executive Chairman of the FCC, Mrs Hulayat Omidiran, management and staff of the commission for embracing innovation.

According to her, the platform will improve access to information, streamline processes and create a transparent channel for citizens’ engagement.

She said the initiative aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritised innovation, digital transformation and inclusive governance.

“The true value of this website lies not merely in its existence but in its effective utilisation. It must remain active, regularly updated and user-friendly,” she said.

Earlier, Omidiran said the website marked a decisive step in modernising the commission’s communication and service delivery framework.

She said the platform would provide timely access to policies guidelines, recruitment processes, compliance requirements and official announcements.

According to her, it will also enhance communication between the commission, citizens, ministries, departments, agencies and development partners.

Omidiran said the initiative reflected the commission’s commitment to institutional reform, digital inclusion and service excellence.

She added that the inauguration signified the beginning of a more innovative and responsive phase in the life of the commission.

“The new official website stands as a strategic innovation designed to strengthen our institutional presence in the digital space.

“It provides a unified, accessible, and user-friendly platform through which the public can engage with the commission more effectively,” she said.

Also, Mr Abbas Tajudeen, Speaker of the House of Representatives, represented by Mr Idris Wase, in his remarks, lauded the FCC’s leadership for driving institutional reforms through digital innovation.

“The House of Representatives recognises this initiative as a critical step toward strengthening transparency and accountability in public service.

“Digital platforms such as this will not only enhance oversight and compliance but also promote equitable access to opportunities which lies at the heart of the Federal Character principle.

“We commend the leadership of the commission for aligning its operations with global best practices and for demonstrating that governance can be both inclusive and technology-driven,” he said. (NAN)

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