By Nkechi Eze
The Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC) has sought stronger collaboration and institutional support from the Federal Ministry of Finance as part of efforts to enhance fiscal discipline, improve operational efficiency and strengthen implementation of the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA) 2007.
According to an official signed statement by the Deputy Director, Strategic Communications Directorate of the FRC, Bede Anyanwu, the Acting Chairman of the Commission, Barrister Charles Chukwuemeka Abana, made the appeal during a courtesy visit to the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Finance, Mr. Raymond Omenka Omachi, FCA, at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.
Barrister Abana, who led the Commission’s management team on the visit, described the Permanent Secretary as a key figure in the history of the Commission, noting that Mr. Omachi was among the pioneer staff of the FRC and served as its first Head of Accounts.
He explained that the decision to make the Permanent Secretary the Commission’s first official point of call since his assumption of office was informed by Omachi’s longstanding relationship with the agency and his extensive institutional knowledge of its operations.
“There is virtually no story about the Commission that the Permanent Secretary does not know,” Abana stated, while describing the Federal Ministry of Finance as a “big brother” to government agencies and a critical stakeholder in the Commission’s activities.
The Acting Chairman appreciated the support previously extended to the Commission by the Permanent Secretary, particularly during the tenure of the immediate past Chairman of the FRC, Victor Muruako, Esq., and appealed for sustained cooperation.
He also briefed the Permanent Secretary on the outcome of the Commission’s recently concluded management retreat, where a strategic work plan aimed at aligning the Commission’s operations with international best practices was developed.
Barrister Abana disclosed that arrangements had been concluded to organise a workshop on Fiscal Responsibility Index studies for Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) as part of efforts to deepen compliance with fiscal responsibility principles.
He further highlighted ongoing moves to amend the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007, explaining that although the law provides for several offences, many lack corresponding sanctions required for effective enforcement.
According to him, the Commission is collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Justice to strengthen the legislation and improve implementation, while discussions are also ongoing with the National Assembly on fiscal rules and the process of gazetting them.
The Acting Chairman also raised concerns over manpower shortages within the Commission, attributing the development to the migration of staff to other government agencies offering better remuneration packages.
He stressed the need for staff recruitment, training and retraining to enhance operational efficiency and enable personnel effectively discharge the Commission’s mandate.
Barrister Abana additionally decried the poor office accommodation available to the Commission, describing the current arrangement as unhealthy and unsuitable for productive service delivery.
He noted that some deputy directors currently share office spaces with junior officers and appealed to the Permanent Secretary for intervention in addressing the challenge.
Responding, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Finance, Mr. Raymond Omenka Omachi, FCA, expressed delight at receiving the Acting Chairman and members of the FRC management team.
He commended Barrister Abana’s leadership qualities and expressed confidence in his ability, as one of the Commission’s foundation members, to reposition the FRC for greater national impact.
Mr. Omachi noted that the Commission had made significant contributions to promoting fiscal discipline and accountability in Nigeria, stressing that the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007 has played a major role in the prudent management of national resources.
The Permanent Secretary acknowledged the poor office conditions currently faced by FRC staff and advised the Commission to formally engage the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), which he described as the Commission’s supervisory authority, on the accommodation issue.
On the proposed amendment of the FRA 2007, he assured the Commission of the ministry’s support, particularly during public hearings and stakeholder engagements.
Mr. Omachi also pledged continued institutional backing for the Commission, noting that the agency’s responsibilities require adequate funding and operational support.
He further urged staff members of the Commission to support the leadership of Barrister Charles Chukwuemeka Abana in advancing the mandate of the FRC and strengthening fiscal governance in the country.
