By Nkechi Eze
As Nigeria marks the 2025 Democracy Day celebration, the Executive Chairman of the Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC), Victor Muruako, Esq., has underscored the critical importance of fiscal discipline and prudent resource management in sustaining the nation’s democratic journey.
In a statement released by the Head of Strategic Communications at the Commission, Bede Anyanwu, Muruako affirmed that true democracy is not only about the right to vote but also about transparency, accountability, and the responsible management of public funds. He declared:
“Fiscal responsibility is the lifeblood of sustainable democracy. When citizens can track every naira of their tax money and see it translated into tangible development, that is democracy in its truest form.”
The FRC Chairman stressed that the Commission’s mandate, which includes enforcing transparency and accountability in public financial management, plays a vital role in deepening democratic institutions across the country. By promoting responsible fiscal governance, Muruako noted, the Commission empowers citizens to hold their leaders accountable, a foundational element of democratic practice.
Referencing the World Bank’s recent projection that Nigeria’s economy will grow by 3.6% in 2025, Muruako described the outlook as an encouraging signal that recent fiscal reforms are beginning to bear fruit. He commended ongoing efforts by the administration in areas such as subsidy reforms, revenue optimization, and expenditure rationalization, describing them as necessary steps toward long-term economic sustainability.
However, he cautioned that maintaining fiscal discipline must be a continuous and collective effort. “Our collective prosperity depends on our shared vigilance over public resources,” Muruako said, adding that fiscal responsibility should not be viewed as a government obligation alone, but as a civic duty of every Nigerian.
The FRC Chairman concluded with a strong commitment to the Commission’s mission of ensuring that Nigeria’s economic progress translates into real benefits for its citizens. “The FRC remains steadfast in its mission to ensure Nigeria’s economic growth directly benefits all citizens through strict enforcement of fiscal discipline,” he affirmed.
As the nation celebrates 26 years of uninterrupted democracy, Muruako’s message serves as a timely reminder that sound financial governance is the bedrock of a resilient, equitable, and enduring democratic system.