FRC, NIPSS Commends MDAs at High-level Fiscal Transparency Training, Urge Stronger Compliance and Reforms
Oru Leonard
The Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC), in collaboration with the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, and ThinkBig Consulting Limited successfully concluded a high-level training program with the theme: “Strategies for Increased Fiscal Efficiency, Enhanced Government Revenue and Plugging Leakages in Nigerian Financial System” aimed at strengthening fiscal discipline, transparency, and accountability among Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) of government.
In a closing ceremony marked by commendations and a call for deeper reforms, the Executive Chairman of the FRC, Victor Muruako, Esq., represented by his Special Adviser, Dr. Chris Uwadoka, applauded the quality of participation and engagement throughout the training program. He expressed gratitude to the Chief Executives of the participating MDAs, the National Institute, and the consulting experts for delivering what he described as “a high-impact and insightful training experience.”
Dr. Uwadoka emphasized the importance of the program in further equipping government agencies with the tools necessary to uphold fiscal responsibility in line with national goals. “The interaction during the sessions was robust, questions were insightful, and the discussions frank. It is a sign that the MDAs are serious about improving public finance management,” he said.
The FRC Chairman also used the opportunity to reiterate the Commission’s mandate, urging MDAs to begin early preparations for their annual audited financial statements. He reminded agencies to work with the provided remittance templates for Operating Surplus, as part of efforts to entrench a culture of financial compliance and prudence.
Dr. Solomon Titus Gushibet, Senior Fellow and Operating Officer at the Centre for Financial Economics, NIPSS, who coordinated the week-long training, expressed satisfaction at the program’s progress and impact.
Speaking during his remarks, Dr. Gushibet disclosed that the course, which commenced on Monday, featured presentations from top experts and covered nine key thematic areas essential to promoting transparency and accountability in governance.
“We are pleased that participants drawn from various MDAs showed exemplary conduct, engagement, and discipline throughout the training. This reflects a commitment to institutional reforms,” he said, while confirming that all participants had met the requirements for certification.
Delivering the closing remarks on behalf of the Director-General of NIPSS, Professor Ayo Omotayo, Professor Jane Omotayo Aane expressed her appreciation for the content and knowledge shared during the sessions. She particularly highlighted the module on public procurement as a critical area requiring urgent attention.
Prof. Aane voiced concern over reports of MDAs failing to meet their contractual obligations, leading to the formation of unions by aggrieved contractors — a development she described as “an abuse of office.”
She called on the Fiscal Responsibility Commission to take an active role in addressing procurement irregularities and pledged NIPSS’s continued partnership with any agency seeking to improve public sector accountability.
“On behalf of the Director-General, I commend all participants and urge them to put into practice the knowledge gained here,” she said. “As part of NIPSS’s safety policy, we advise against late-night travel, particularly in view of prevailing security concerns.”
The training marked another significant step in advancing Nigeria’s fiscal responsibility framework, particularly as the country continues to prioritize prudent financial management, transparency, and accountability in the face of economic challenges.
Participants are expected to return to their respective MDAs and serve as catalysts for change by implementing the practices and reforms advocated during the sessions.
(FRC Media)
