By Nkechi Eze
The Fiscal Responsibility Commission has expanded its nationwide advocacy on prudent financial management, engaging corps members across multiple National Youth Service Corps orientation camps in a strategic effort to promote accountability, transparency, and responsible resource utilisation among young Nigerians.
According to an official signed statement by the Deputy Director, Strategic Communication Directorate of the Commission, Bede Ogueri Anyanwu, the sensitisation campaign covered NYSC orientation camps in the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa, Niger, Benue, Kogi, and Kaduna States.
The outreach featured the delivery of a keynote address developed by the Acting Chairman of the Commission, Barrister Charles Chukwuemeka Abana, under the theme “Building a Stronger Nigeria Through Fiscal Responsibility.” The address was presented by designated FRC team leaders at the various camps.
Representatives of the Commission expressed appreciation to the Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps, Brigadier General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, for granting access to the camps despite the tight orientation schedule.
Addressing the corps members, the Commission emphasised that fiscal responsibility goes beyond government budgeting to include how individuals manage both public and personal resources. It noted that fiscal discipline should be viewed as a national mindset necessary for sustainable development, rather than merely a policy framework.
The Commission reiterated its mandate under the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2007, which focuses on promoting transparency, accountability, and discipline in the management of public finances. It highlighted its role in ensuring efficient government spending, safeguarding public funds, and promoting the equitable use of national resources.
Officials also outlined key achievements of the Commission, including improved monitoring of government revenues and expenditures, increased compliance among Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, and enhanced public awareness of fiscal discipline.
Despite these gains, the Commission stressed the need for continued engagement and called on corps members to take active roles in promoting fiscal responsibility. Participants were encouraged to remain informed, advocate for accountability within their communities, and practice personal financial discipline.
Reference was made to provisions of the Fiscal Responsibility Act that empower citizens to seek legal enforcement of compliance, underscoring the importance of civic participation in governance.
The campaign featured active participation by FRC officials across the six states, with interactive sessions held at the camps. At the Paiko orientation camp in Niger State, corps members engaged in a question-and-answer session, where further clarifications were provided on fiscal responsibility and the Commission’s mandate.
To enhance participation, interactive exercises were introduced, with corps members rewarded for demonstrating understanding of the subject matter.
The Commission concluded the campaign by urging corps members to serve as ambassadors of fiscal responsibility and contribute to building a more transparent, accountable, and economically stable Nigeria.
