By Our Correspondent

The recent inauguration of the National Housing and Census Committee by the Federal Government has sparked widespread criticism over the regional imbalance in its composition.

The eight-member committee, unveiled on Wednesday, was tasked with exploring financing options and determining the operational mode for the upcoming national census. It is chaired by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, who hails from the North-West geopolitical zone.

The announcement was made by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the inauguration. According to presidential aide Bayo Onanuga, the committee has been given a three-week timeline to submit its report.

Critics have raised concerns about the overwhelming representation of members from the South-West region, with five out of the eight members reportedly drawn from that part of the country. Many observers view this as a lopsided arrangement that does not reflect Nigeria’s federal character.

Also on the committee is the Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Hon. Nasir Isa Kwarra, who serves as the secretary. He represents the North-Central region.

The criticisms are centered on the need for inclusivity and national balance, especially on a sensitive national issue such as the census, which has far-reaching implications for resource allocation, political representation, and development planning.

Analysts argue that a more regionally balanced committee would have promoted broader confidence in the process and minimized suspicions of bias or favoritism.

As the committee begins its work, stakeholders are calling on the government to ensure that the final report reflects the interest of all Nigerians and that the process leading to the national census is transparent, inclusive, and credible.

The forthcoming census is expected to be Nigeria’s first in nearly two decades and is seen as a crucial step toward effective governance and national planning.

By BUKAR Mohammed

The recent appointment of 16 new directors by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), released on March 6, 2025, has once again exposed deep-rooted regional favoritism within Nigeria’s federal institutions.

The list reveals a glaring marginalization of the northern region, with an overwhelming majority of appointees hailing from the southern part of the country.

This unprecedented imbalance raises serious concerns about fairness, inclusivity, and the credibility of Nigeria’s apex financial institution.

A Breakdown of CBN’s Regional Bias

A critical analysis of the appointments indicates that out of the 16 newly appointed directors, 12 are from the southern region (South-West, South-South, and South-East), while only 4 are from the northern region (North-East, North-West, and North-Central).

This staggering 75%-25% imbalance is unacceptable for an institution that should represent all regions equally.

Breakdown by Region:
– South-West: 6 Directors
– South-South: 3 Directors
– South-East: 3 Directors
– North-Central: 1 Director
– North-East: 1 Director
– North-West: 2 Directors

With 75% of the appointments going to the south and only 25% to the north, it is evident that the principles of fairness, equity, and federal character have been completely ignored.

A National Institution Hijacked by Regional Sentiments

The CBN, as a crucial institution responsible for monetary policy, financial stability, and economic growth, must adhere to the highest standards of governance.

It should respect the rule of law, uphold good corporate governance, and remain free from corruption and regional bias.

However, this latest round of appointments illustrates a dangerous trend of state capture, where key institutions are controlled by a particular group for political or economic advantage.

This brazen act of favoritism is a direct assault on national unity and economic fairness. The CBN is meant to serve all Nigerians, not just a privileged few from one region.

The Silence of Northern Elders: A National Disgrace

Even more disgraceful is the deafening silence from northern elders, political leaders, and stakeholders who have chosen to look the other way.

These individuals, who once claimed to advocate for fairness and equity, have now become mute in the face of evident injustice.

Their silence is not only disappointing—it betrays the people they claim to represent. If they had any integrity left, they would challenge the president’s blatant disregard for federal character and fair representation.

The Federal Character Commission: A Useless Watchdog That Should Be Scrapped

It is now clear that the Federal Character Commission (FCC) has outlived its usefulness.

Established to ensure equitable representation in federal appointments, the FCC has utterly failed in its constitutional duty.

How did such a reckless decision by the CBN management escape the FCC’s notice? Why is the commission allowing federal institutions to be hijacked by one region while others are sidelined? If the FCC cannot enforce fairness in appointments, it should be scrapped immediately.

CBN Under Cardoso: A House of Controversy

Since taking office, CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso has led the institution into one controversy after another. From policy inconsistencies to failing monetary strategies, his leadership has raised serious doubts about the bank’s credibility.

This latest appointment scandal further demonstrates that his administration is rooted in regional favoritism rather than professionalism and economic competence.

How can Nigerians trust the CBN when its leadership is blatantly biased and politically motivated?

A Call for Immediate Redress

Nigeria is a diverse and multi-ethnic nation, and no region should feel marginalized in national appointments.

If this injustice is not corrected, it could fuel regional tensions and further divide the country.

The presidency, National Assembly, and relevant authorities must urgently address this imbalance before it escalates into a full-blown crisis.

The CBN must immediately review these appointments and ensure a more equitable distribution across all regions.

Anything less would confirm that this administration is more interested in consolidating power through institutional capture than in promoting national unity.

The CBN should not be a tool for regional domination; it is a national institution that must reflect the diversity, fairness, and unity of Nigeria.

Anything short of that is a betrayal of national trust and a shameful abuse of power.

BUKAR Mohammed is a public analyst from Kano.