By Nkechi Eze
The Executive Chairman of the Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC), Barrister Victor Muruako, has called on Honourable Osita Okere, Member representing Owerri Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, to lend his legislative support to the ongoing amendment of the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA), 2007 currently before the National Assembly.
This appeal was made during a courtesy visit by Hon. Okere to the Commission’s headquarters in Asokoro, Abuja, where both officials engaged in extensive discussions on strengthening fiscal transparency and public finance accountability in Nigeria.
In an official signed statement made available to Newspeg by the spokesperson of the Commission, Bede Ogueri Anyanwu, it was disclosed that the FRC Chairman used the occasion to highlight key areas of the Commission’s statutory mandate and the rationale for seeking an amendment of the enabling Act.
According to the statement, Barrister Muruako emphasized that the Commission’s core functions under the FRA, 2007 include preparation of the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), setting fiscal objectives, ensuring prudent public fund management, monitoring debt sustainability, and enforcing transparency in revenue generation and remittance to the Consolidated Revenue Fund.
He further outlined other critical responsibilities such as public project verification across the six geopolitical zones, enforcement of fiscal discipline through sanctions for non-compliance, and the regular publication of budgetary and fiscal reports to promote openness in governance.
“The amendment of the Fiscal Responsibility Act is essential to bolster our operational capacity, expand our enforcement powers, and align fiscal governance in Nigeria with evolving global standards,” the FRC Chairman stated.
While commending Hon. Okere’s track record in public service, Muruako urged him to advocate for the proposed legislative reforms within the House of Representatives. He described the lawmaker’s support as vital to strengthening the Commission’s mandate and ensuring more robust accountability mechanisms at all levels of government.
In his remarks, Hon. Osita Okere praised the performance of the Commission under Muruako’s leadership, describing him as a dedicated and goal-oriented administrator. He commended the Chairman’s long-standing service record, including his previous roles as Chairman of Owerri West Local Government and National Legal Adviser of the Association of Local Government Employees of Nigeria (ALGON).
“I’m not surprised by the Commission’s positive performance under your watch,” Hon. Okere stated. “You have always been a goal-getter and achiever, and I’m confident that you’ll continue to deliver effectively in your current role.”
The lawmaker expressed his appreciation for the Commission’s role in enhancing public finance discipline and pledged to work with his colleagues in the National Assembly to ensure a smooth passage of the amendment bill when it comes up for legislative consideration.
The meeting was described by both parties as fruitful, reinforcing the need for a more collaborative relationship between the legislature and fiscal oversight institutions in deepening accountability and sustainable economic governance in Nigeria.
