Maryam Aminu
In a bold call for strengthened fiscal governance, the Executive Chairman of the Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC), Victor Muruako Esq., has urged Nigerian states with fiscal responsibility laws to take immediate steps toward their full enforcement.
He made this appeal at the launch of the Subnational Audit Efficiency Index 2024, organized by the Paradigm Leadership Support Initiative at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Center, Abuja.
Muruako stressed that the effective implementation of fiscal responsibility laws at the state and local government levels is crucial for improving public service delivery and ensuring greater accountability.
He challenged stakeholders to reflect on whether local governments are truly fulfilling their mandates in governance and financial management.
The high-profile event featured a thought-provoking panel discussion moderated by Mr. Odeh Friday, Country Director of Accountability Lab Nigeria. The session, themed “Leveraging Technology Tools for Improved Public Audit Practices and Service Delivery at the Subnational Level,” explored innovative solutions for enhancing fiscal oversight.
Mr. Sunday Adegoke, Chairman of the Body of Federal & State Auditors-General and Ondo State Auditor-General, pointed out the decline in funding for audit offices following the expiration of the States Fiscal Transparency, Accountability, and Sustainability (SFTAS) program.
He called for increased financial support, enhanced capacity building, and the integration of social media and cybersecurity tools for real-time citizen engagement in fiscal transparency.
Mrs. Veronica Okonji, represented by Mr. Francis Agbayi, shared insights from Delta State’s pioneering performance audit, attributing its success to training provided by the Paradigm Leadership Support Initiative.
She emphasized the need for continuous investment in capacity building to drive institutional reforms.
Hon. Eric Akpan,
Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee in Akwa Ibom State, advocated for stronger legislative backing to ensure the independence and effectiveness of audit offices.
He also stressed the need for closer collaboration between the executive and legislative arms in audit implementation.
Adding a civil society perspective, Mrs. Ugochi Freeman, Executive Director of Creative Minds Centre for Youth and Community Development, underscored the role of civic-tech tools in equipping citizens to monitor government spending and demand accountability.
The presence of Shaakaa Kanyitor Chira, Auditor General of the Federation, reinforced the federal government’s commitment to fiscal transparency and accountability. His participation further emphasized the urgent need for reforms in public audit practices across the country
A key highlight of the event was the recognition of states that have demonstrated commitment to performance auditing and the publication of citizens’ accountability reports. Adamawa, Jigawa, Akwa Ibom, Kaduna, Oyo, Katsina, Benue, Bauchi, Ondo, and Edo received accolades for their efforts in fostering transparent governance.
As the event concluded, stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to leveraging technology, legislative reforms, and capacity-building initiatives to strengthen fiscal responsibility and public audit practices at all levels of government.
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