FRC Deepens Collaboration with N’ Assembly to Amend the Fiscal Responsibility Act

*Fiscal Responsibility Index studies for  MDAs underway 

Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja 

The Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC) has deepened its collaboration with the National Assembly to amend the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA) of 2007. The amendment aims to promote prudent resource management, ensure macroeconomic stability, and enhance accountability in public spending.

Acting Chairman Charles Chukwuemeka Abana disclosed this during a courtesy visit to the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Finance, Mr. Raymond Omenka Omachi. He noted that while the Act contains several offences, many lack corresponding sanctions and therefore need strengthening.

Abana said the commission is currently working with the Federal Ministry of Justice to fortify the Act and improve its implementation.

He also revealed that discussions are underway with the National Assembly on fiscal rules and the process of gazetting them.

Abana described the permanent secretary as a pivotal figure in the commission’s history, noting that Omachi was among the pioneer staff of the FRC and served as its first Head of Accounts.

He explained that the decision to make the permanent secretary the first point of contact since his assumption of office was driven by Omachi’s long-standing relationship with the commission and his deep institutional knowledge.

“There is virtually no story about the commission that the permanent secretary does not know,” Abana said, adding that the Federal Ministry of Finance remains a “big brother” to government agencies and an important stakeholder in the commission’s activities.

He appreciated the support previously extended to the commission by the permanent secretary, especially during the tenure of the last Chairman, Victor Muruako, and appealed for continued cooperation.

Abana also briefed Omachi on the outcome of the commission’s recently concluded management retreat, where a strategic work plan was developed to align the commission’s operations with international best practices.

According to a statement issued by the FRC’s Deputy Director of the Strategic Communications Directorate, Bede Ogueri Anyanwu, the acting chairman disclosed that the commission had arranged a workshop on Fiscal Responsibility Index studies for Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

On manpower challenges, Abana lamented the shortage of staff within the commission, attributing the situation to employees migrating to other government agencies offering better remuneration.

He stressed the need for staff recruitment, training, and retraining to enable personnel to meet the demands of the commission’s mandate effectively.

The acting chairman also raised concerns over inadequate office accommodation, describing the current arrangement as unhealthy, with deputy directors reportedly sharing office spaces with junior officers.

He appealed to the permanent secretary to help the commission address its operational challenges.

In his response, Omachi expressed delight at the courtesy shown by the acting chairman and members of the management team, and commended Abana’s leadership.

He expressed confidence in his ability, as one of the commission’s foundation members, to reposition the FRC for greater impact.

Omachi noted that the commission has made significant contributions to fiscal discipline and accountability in the country, stressing that the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2007 has played a critical role in the efficient management of national resources.

He acknowledged the poor office conditions under which FRC staff currently operate and advised the commission to formally engage the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, which he described as the commission’s supervisory authority, on the accommodation issue.

On the proposed amendment of the FRA 2007, the permanent secretary assured the commission of the ministry’s support, particularly during public hearings and stakeholder engagements.

He further pledged continued support for the commission, noting that the agency’s responsibilities require adequate funding and institutional backing.

Omachi also urged staff members to support Abana’s leadership in advancing the commission’s mandate.