FRC Chairman Hosts SERDEC on Advocacy Visit, Pledges Stronger Collaboration for Fiscal Transparency

Maryam Aminu

The Executive Chairman of the Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC), Victor Muruako, Esq., has reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and stronger collaboration with civil society organizations, following an advocacy visit by the Socio-Economic Research and Development Centre (SERDEC) at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

Led by SERDEC’s Executive Director, Tijani Abdulkareem, the visit was part of ongoing advocacy efforts under the Open Government Partnership (OGP) framework aimed at strengthening institutional engagement and promoting fiscal openness and responsible public financial management.

During the visit, the SERDEC delegation emphasized the need for strategic alignment between the FRC’s mandate and the broader objectives of the OGP.

The team also presented a set of proposals including improved public access to fiscal data, regular civil society forums, joint public education on budgeting and fiscal laws, and collaboration in budget tracking, especially at grassroots levels.

“SERDEC recognizes the pivotal role FRC plays in enforcing fiscal discipline, monitoring public expenditure, and ensuring budget compliance. These are essential pillars for transparency, anti-corruption, and citizen engagement,” Abdulkareem said.

In response, Chairman Muruako welcomed the initiative, commending SERDEC’s efforts in advancing fiscal transparency and citizen participation.

He reiterated the Commission’s active role in anti-corruption reform, particularly through its participation in the Technical Unit on Governance and Anti-Corruption Reform (TUGAR).

He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s fiscal reforms and voiced support for Local Government autonomy, while stressing the importance of capacity-building in fiscal management at the local level.

“The Commission is open to collaboration but faces resource constraints in executing its broad mandate,” Muruako stated, adding that plans are underway to amend the Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2007 to bolster revenue generation into the Consolidated Revenue Fund.

He assured SERDEC of the Commission’s readiness to work closely with stakeholders in advancing Nigeria’s fiscal governance goals, stating, “Our collaboration machinery is ready and waiting. We look forward to working together to achieve our shared vision of open and accountable governance.”