In three Nigerian geopolitical zones, the Fiscal Responsibility Commission is beginning a campaign to raise awareness of financial accountability.
This program targets states in the South-South, South-East, and North-Central areas with the goal of enhancing financial responsibility at the subnational level. In a statement released on Friday, Bede Anyanwu, Head of the FRC’s Strategic Communications Directorate, stated that the sensitisation series will start with a two-day retreat in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, from Monday, September 2, to Wednesday, September 4, 2024.
Later in the month, comparable retreats are planned in Owerri, Imo State, and Minna, Niger State.
“Strengthening Financial Accountability at Subnational Levels” is the focus of these retreats, Anyanwu said.
He emphasised that the initiative’s goal is to help state governments develop a culture of financial accountability and openness, particularly in the areas of budgeting, economic planning, and finance.
Experts such as top judicial officers, economists, chartered accountants, and fiscal analysts will be present at the retreats. State commissioners and senior civil workers from the budget, economic planning, and finance ministries will take part. We also anticipate strong participation from state heads of fiscal commissions, auditor generals, and accountant generals, Anyanwu said.
Senator Mohammed Musa, the chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, and James Faleke, the chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Finance, are among the dignitaries that are anticipated at the retreats. At every gathering, keynote speeches by the governors of the host states are also anticipated.
Victor Muruako, the Executive Chairman of the FRC, will give a welcome speech to kick off the retreat in Port Harcourt. After that, fiscal economist Chris Uwadoka will talk about
“Unbundling the Fiscal Responsibility Act and the Role of the Fiscal Responsibility Commission,” and Justice Kemakolam Ojiako will present a paper titled “Strengthening Oversight: The Role of Civil Society Organisations in Promoting Fiscal Responsibility at the Subnational Level.
The lectures will come to a close with a paper on “Deepening Budget Transparency: Moving Beyond Compliance to Meaningful Citizen Engagement” by chartered accountant Victoria Adiwu-Angakuru.
After these talks, there will be a panel discussion and audience involvement, and at the conclusion of each retreat, a communiqué will be adopted. “These retreats are a critical part of the FRC’s mission to promote fiscal responsibility and transparency across all levels of government,” Anyanwu emphasised.
It is anticipated that participants from each of the six South-South states would attend the Port Harcourt retreat and will be awarded certificates of attendance upon their completion.
Later in September, the battle will shift to the South-East and North-Central geopolitical zones after the South-South retreat.
Bottom Line
The retreats aim to educate and build the capacity of state governments in budgeting, economic planning, and financial management. This is crucial for fostering a culture of accountability and transparency at the subnational level, which can lead to more responsible governance.
Emphasizing the role of civil society organizations in promoting fiscal responsibility is a forward-thinking approach. Civil society can offer oversight, advocate for transparency, and engage citizens in the fiscal process, thereby enhancing accountability and trust in government.
