The Impact of Federal Character Principle on Recruitment into the Nigerian Civil Service: Evidence from the Federal Capital Territory

This study examines the impact of the federal character principle on recruitment practices within the Nigerian federal civil service, with specific focus on agencies headquartered in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The federal character principle, enshrined in the 1999 Constitution as amended, is intended to ensure equitable representation of all geopolitical zones and states in federal institutions. However, critics argue that its application has prioritised ethnic balancing over merit, undermining institutional efficiency and professionalism. Drawing on constitutional governance theory and recent literature from 2019 to 2024, this study adopts a descriptive survey research design. Data are collected from 220 civil servants and human resource managers across five federal ministries using structured questionnaires and focused interviews. Percentage analysis and chi-square tests are used to assess patterns in recruitment decisions and perceived compliance. Findings are expected to reveal tensions between representational equity and performance-based recruitment, as well as inconsistencies in how different agencies apply the principle. The study also evaluates the monitoring role of the Federal Character Commission and the adequacy of its enforcement mechanisms. Recommendations are expected to address the need for a merit-sensitivity index that complements representational mandates in federal hiring. The findings are relevant to ongoing civil service reform efforts and national unity policy in Nigeria. Keywords: federal character, civil service recruitment, representational equity, merit, Federal Capital Territory