Maryam Aminu
In a bold move to strengthen transparency and accountability at the grassroots, the Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC) was featured at the unveiling of the Nigerian Local Government Integrity Index (NLGI) by the Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity (CeFTPI) on Friday, October 3, 2025, at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja.
The landmark event drew stakeholders from government, civil society, academia, and the media to deliberate on mechanisms for improving governance at the local level.
Executive Director of CeFTPI, Dr. Umar Yakubu, explained that the index is a data-driven tool designed to evaluate governance and corruption risks across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas.
He noted that the assessment framework rests on eight pillars, ranging from fiscal transparency and accountability to public service delivery, civic oversight, and e-governance.
Speaking on behalf of FRC Chairman, Victor Muruako, Esq., the Commission’s Special Adviser, Dr. Chris Uwadoka, praised CeFTPI for the initiative, stressing that the NLGI complements FRC’s mandate to entrench fiscal discipline and accountability.
He described the index as a “vital instrument for empowering civil society, oversight bodies, and citizens to demand responsible use of public resources at the grassroots.”
Stakeholders at the launch welcomed the initiative as a timely tool, particularly in light of the Supreme Court’s recent judgment granting financial autonomy to local governments.
They agreed that the real impact of the index will be seen in its application as a reform driver, civic engagement enabler, and accountability mechanism for better service delivery.
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