President Bola Tinubu has charged local government chairmen across the country to ensure fairness in appointments, transparency in administration and equitable distribution of opportunities and resources at the grassroots.

Tinubu gave the charge on Monday in Abuja in a keynote address delivered on his behalf by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, at a workshop organised by the Federal Character Commission (FCC) for local government chairmen.

The President described local governments as the closest tier of government to citizens, saying their decisions have direct and immediate effects on the daily lives of Nigerians.

“As the closest tier of government to the people, they serve as the primary interface between citizens and the state. The actions and decisions taken at this level have immediate and tangible impacts on the daily lives of our people,” he said.

Tinubu urged the council chairmen to make inclusiveness, equity and transparency central to their administration, stressing that grassroots governance must remain inclusive, representative and fair.

“You, as Local Government Chairmen, carry the immense responsibility of ensuring that governance is inclusive, representative, and equitable. You must embody the principles of fairness in appointments, transparency in administration, and balance in the distribution of opportunities and resources,” the President said.

The workshop, themed “Translating Federal Character Principles into Local Governance: Bridging Policy and Practice,” focused on strengthening the implementation of the Federal Character principle at the grassroots.

Tinubu said the principle, enshrined in Section 14(4) of the 1999 Constitution, provides an institutional framework for ensuring that Nigeria’s diversity is reflected in government at all levels.

“This constitutional provision underscores the necessity of reflecting the diversity of our people in the composition and conduct of government at all levels, particularly at the state and local government tiers,” he said.

According to him, effective implementation of the principle would promote a sense of belonging among Nigerians while strengthening national unity, stability and development.

The President described Nigeria’s ethnic, cultural and religious diversity as one of the country’s greatest assets, but said it must be managed through fairness, justice and inclusiveness.

“Our multiplicity of cultures, ethnicities, and beliefs forms a vibrant national tapestry that must be carefully managed through fairness, justice, and inclusiveness,” he said.

Tinubu also warned the council chairmen against allowing sectional interests to undermine the national interest.

“You must rise above sectional interests and embrace a broader national perspective that prioritises unity over division and inclusiveness over exclusion,” he said.

He said inclusive governance would strengthen social cohesion, reduce conflicts and create an environment conducive to economic growth and innovation.

“When every segment of society feels represented and valued, social cohesion is strengthened, conflicts are minimised, and the environment becomes conducive for economic growth and innovation,” Tinubu said.

The President commended the Federal Character Commission for recognising local governments as critical to the effective implementation of the Federal Character principle.

He, however, noted that laws and institutions alone could not guarantee fairness and inclusion without visionary leadership, ethical conduct and deliberate commitment from public office holders.

Tinubu urged the participants to use the workshop to deepen their understanding of Federal Character principles and develop practical strategies for applying them in their respective councils.

“The future of our democracy depends significantly on the strength, fairness, and inclusiveness of our local institutions,” he said.

He formally declared the workshop open and commended the Federal Character Commission for its efforts towards promoting national integration.