Maryam Aminu
As the Federal Government intensifies efforts to strengthen fiscal discipline and improve accountability in public finance management, the Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC) has sought deeper collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Finance to drive ongoing reforms and address operational challenges confronting the agency.
Acting Chairman of the Commission, Barrister Charles Chukwuemeka Abana, made the appeal on Tuesday during a courtesy visit by the FRC management team to the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Finance, Mr. Raymond Omenka Omachi, FCA, at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.
Speaking during the visit, Abana described the Permanent Secretary as a key figure in the history of the Commission, noting that Omachi was among the pioneer staff of the FRC and served as its first Head of Accounts.
The Acting Chairman said the decision to make the ministry their first official point of call since his assumption of office was informed by the Permanent Secretary’s longstanding relationship with the Commission and his institutional knowledge of its operations.
According to him, the Federal Ministry of Finance remains a critical stakeholder in the activities of the Commission and has continued to play a supportive role over the years.
Abana commended Omachi for the support previously extended to the Commission, particularly during the tenure of the immediate past Chairman of the FRC, Victor Muruako, Esq., while appealing for sustained cooperation.
He disclosed that the Commission recently concluded a management retreat where a strategic work plan aimed at aligning its operations with international best practices was developed.
The Acting Chairman also revealed plans by the Commission to organise a workshop on Fiscal Responsibility Index studies for Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) as part of efforts to deepen compliance with fiscal regulations.
On ongoing reforms, Abana said the Commission was working with the Federal Ministry of Justice to amend the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA) 2007 to strengthen enforcement mechanisms.
He noted that while the existing law contains several offences, many lack corresponding sanctions necessary for effective implementation.
According to him, discussions are equally ongoing with the National Assembly on fiscal rules and the process of gazetting them.
Abana also raised concerns over manpower shortages within the Commission, attributing the situation to the migration of staff to other government agencies offering better remuneration packages.
He stressed the need for recruitment, training and retraining of personnel to enable the Commission effectively discharge its mandate.
The Acting Chairman further lamented the Commission’s office accommodation challenges, describing the current arrangement as unhealthy and inadequate for efficient operations.
He said deputy directors currently share office spaces with junior officers and appealed for intervention to improve the working environment.
Responding, the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Raymond Omenka Omachi, FCA, expressed delight over the visit and commended Barrister Abana’s leadership.
Omachi expressed confidence in Abana’s capacity, as one of the foundation members of the Commission, to reposition the FRC for greater national impact.
He noted that the Commission had continued to make significant contributions to fiscal discipline and accountability in the country, adding that the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007 has remained instrumental in promoting prudent management of national resources.
The Permanent Secretary acknowledged the poor office conditions facing the Commission and advised the FRC to formally engage the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), which he described as the Commission’s supervisory authority, on the accommodation issue.
On the proposed amendment of the FRA 2007, Omachi assured the Commission of the ministry’s support, particularly during public hearings and stakeholder consultations.
He also pledged continued institutional backing for the Commission, stressing that its responsibilities require adequate funding and government support.
Omachi further urged staff members to support the leadership of Barrister Charles Chukwuemeka Abana in advancing the Commission’s mandate and strengthening fiscal responsibility in the country.
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