By Nkechi Eze
The Executive Chairman of the Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC), Victor Muruako, Esq., has commended the Government of The Gambia for its commitment to public sector reform and governance enhancement. This commendation was made during a high-level study exchange visit by a delegation from The Gambian Ministry of Public Service to the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
An official signed statement by Deputy Director/Head, Strategic Communications Bede Ogueri Anyanwu disclosed that the study tour, facilitated by renowned governance expert Professor Victor Ayeni, was designed to deepen the visiting delegation’s understanding of Nigeria’s Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2007, and the strategic frameworks supporting its implementation. The visit marked a significant milestone in fostering cross-border cooperation for fiscal governance within the West African region.
In his welcome address, Barrister Muruako described the engagement as timely and impactful, particularly for countries seeking to entrench transparency, accountability, and prudence in public financial management. He emphasized that the Commission’s work over the years has significantly contributed to aligning Nigeria’s government spending with approved budgetary frameworks and instilling fiscal discipline across ministries and agencies.
“We have made substantial progress in institutionalizing transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s fiscal management,” Muruako noted. “I am pleased that this visit will allow our Gambian counterparts to witness firsthand the progress and integrity of Nigeria’s fiscal responsibility systems. It will help dispel some of the erroneous narratives circulating online.”
He further encouraged the Gambian authorities to consider domesticating similar legislation to bolster their own fiscal governance mechanisms, adding that such frameworks are crucial to the efficient use of public resources and long-term economic stability.
Dr. Dasuki Arabi, Director General of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms, who accompanied the delegation, expressed his admiration for the Commission’s evolution and accomplishments, particularly highlighting the emergence of a new generation of leadership within the FRC.
“One of the most striking observations is the conspicuous element of succession,” Dr. Arabi stated. “We are pleased with the level of innovation and continuity demonstrated here. It aligns perfectly with our commitment to institutionalizing excellence in the public service.”
Speaking on behalf of the visiting delegation, Mr. Pateh Jah, Permanent Secretary of The Gambian Ministry of Public Service, Administrative Reforms, Policy Coordination and Delivery, expressed appreciation for the comprehensive engagements and transparent exchanges held during the study tour. He described the experience as deeply instructive and beneficial to The Gambia’s reform trajectory.
“Our mandate is similar to that of the FRC in terms of monitoring and verifying government projects to ensure actual implementation,” Jah noted. “We are particularly impressed by the discipline and rigor observed in Nigeria’s fiscal oversight system. There is much we can adapt from this experience.”
Mr. Jah also offered insights into accountability practices within The Gambia’s civil service, emphasizing a dual-track approach of reward and enforcement.
“We operate on a principle of ‘carrot and stick’ rewarding good performance and addressing lapses firmly,” he added.
The visit featured technical sessions led by senior FRC officials, including detailed presentations from Dr. Chris Uwadoka, Special Adviser to the Executive Chairman; Mr. Bello Gulmare, Deputy Director/Head, Monitoring and Evaluation; Mr. Bello Ibrahim, Deputy Director/Head, Planning, Research and Statistics; Mr. Ado Hassan, Deputy Director/Head, Policy and Standards; and Mr. Bede Ogueri Anyanwu, Deputy Director/Head, Strategic Communications.
Topics covered included performance-based budgeting, fiscal risk assessment, project monitoring, and public expenditure verification. The interactive sessions were praised for their clarity, depth, and practical relevance.
The engagement concluded with a renewed commitment from both parties to deepen collaboration and institutional exchange aimed at strengthening fiscal responsibility, governance, and sustainable public sector reform across West Africa.
“This partnership is the beginning of a broader continental vision for fiscal accountability,” Muruako said in his closing remarks. “Together, we can set a standard for effective, transparent, and people-centered governance across Africa.”
