By Nkechi Eze
The Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC) has adopted the Roadmap Implementation of its Output Calendar for 2026, following the successful conclusion of its three-day Management Retreat held at Zuma Rock Resort along the Abuja-Kaduna Road.
According to an official signed statement by the Head, Strategic Communications Directorate of the Commission, Bede Anyanwu, the retreat was sponsored by the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme (RoLAC), International IDEA, and BudgIT as part of efforts to strengthen institutional performance and fiscal governance in Nigeria.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, the Acting Chairman of the Fiscal Responsibility Commission, Barrister Charles Chukwuemeka Abana, described the retreat as a defining moment in the history of the Commission and a major milestone under his leadership.
Barrister Abana stated that the retreat provided an opportunity for reflection, collaboration, and strategic planning aimed at repositioning the Commission to more effectively discharge its mandate under the Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2007.
He expressed appreciation to RoLAC, International IDEA, represented by Associate Project Officer Muhammad Sani Kassim, and BudgIT, represented by Mr. Thaddeus Jolayemi, for their support in ensuring the success of the retreat.
According to the Acting Chairman, the retreat’s theme, “Strengthening Institutional Performance through the Implementation of the Commission’s New Strategic Plan,” reflects the Commission’s determination to improve institutional efficiency and reposition itself for greater national impact.
“The Strategic Plan is not simply a policy document; it is a roadmap for institutional transformation, a framework for measurable progress, and a guide for achieving sustainable results in the discharge of our responsibilities,” Barrister Abana stated.
He noted that increasing public expectations require the Commission to become more proactive, innovative, and results-driven in promoting fiscal discipline, transparency, accountability, and prudent management of public resources.
Barrister Abana disclosed that the newly approved Strategic Plan would strengthen monitoring and enforcement mechanisms, deepen stakeholder engagement, improve inter-agency collaboration, leverage technology for operational efficiency, and build institutional capacity across all levels of the Commission.
The Acting Chairman also unveiled the Commission’s new Vision and Mission statements as part of its renewed institutional direction.
According to him, the new Vision statement is: “To be Nigeria’s leading fiscal authority ensuring transparent, accountable, and sustainable fiscal governance for national development.”
He added that the new Mission statement reads: “To promote fiscal integrity through evidential oversight in revenue, expenditure and debt management decisions for efficient service delivery.”
Barrister Abana explained that the retreat focused on reviewing the Commission’s statutory responsibilities in response to emerging fiscal realities, while also examining implementation strategies for the new Strategic Plan, strengthening institutional coordination, enhancing compliance monitoring, improving staff productivity, and promoting innovation and accountability across the Commission.
He further revealed that presentations delivered during the retreat were designed to equip management and senior officers with modern skills in organisational process improvement, process mapping, problem analysis, digital transformation, and emerging Artificial Intelligence applications within the fiscal ecosystem.
On the Commission’s future responsibilities, Barrister Abana disclosed that the FRC would play a critical oversight and accountability role in the implementation of Nigeria’s new tax regime.
According to him, the Commission would ensure that the reforms are implemented in a fiscally responsible, transparent, and sustainable manner capable of promoting efficient revenue management and economic growth.
“In view of this enormous oversight function by the Commission, we have to develop capacity and prepare ourselves for the daunting challenges ahead. This is part of why we are here,” he stated.
He urged staff to remain committed to professionalism, integrity, teamwork, innovation, and service excellence, stressing that the success of the Strategic Plan depends on the collective commitment of all officers and departments.
Barrister Abana also commended members of the planning committee and staff who contributed to the success of the retreat, expressing confidence that the resolutions reached would reposition the Commission for greater effectiveness and align its operations with global best practices in fiscal governance.
The retreat ended with the formal declaration of closure by the Acting Chairman, who charged staff to move forward with renewed commitment towards building a stronger and more impactful Fiscal Responsibility Commission.
