FRC Reaffirms Support for Local Governments to Boost Transparency, Accountability

Maryam Aminu

…Commission pledges technical assistance to strengthen grassroots fiscal management under FRA 2007

The Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC) has reiterated its commitment to promoting fiscal discipline and prudent financial management across Nigeria’s local government system through targeted technical support and capacity-building initiatives.

Speaking at a capacity-building workshop for Local Government Areas in Adamawa State, held at the American University of Nigeria (AUN), Yola, the Deputy Director of the Policy and Standards Directorate, Mr. Ado Hassan, who represented the Executive Chairman, Victor Muruako, Esq., reaffirmed the Commission’s resolve to ensure transparency and accountability in the management of funds at the grassroots level, in line with the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA) 2007.

Mr. Hassan noted that extending technical guidance to local councils will help strengthen compliance with fiscal regulations and enhance service delivery to citizens.

“The Fiscal Responsibility Commission remains committed to working with subnational governments, particularly at the local level, to entrench fiscal discipline and promote the effective utilization of resources for sustainable development,” he stated.

The workshop brought together key stakeholders from government institutions, academia, and civil society organizations in a collaborative effort to strengthen governance and accountability at the local government level.

Among the participating agencies were the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme, the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), and the Federal Ministry of Justice.

A key highlight of the event was the unveiling of the Local Government Accountability Framework (LGAF), presented by Dr. Umar Yakubu, Executive Director of the Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Integrity Watch (CeFTIW). The framework serves as a practical tool to strengthen accountability systems, ensure efficient use of public funds, and foster citizens’ trust in governance.

By fostering collaboration among multiple oversight institutions, the initiative reinforces the shared responsibility of all stakeholders in promoting transparency, accountability, and sustainable development at the grassroots.