The Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC) has entered into a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with BudgIT Foundation to strengthen fiscal transparency, accountability and citizen engagement in Nigeria’s public finance system.
The signing ceremony, held at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja, brought together key stakeholders in fiscal governance and anti‑corruption. Dr. Emmanuel Uche, Project Manager for Anti‑Corruption under the EU Rule of Law and Anti‑Corruption Programme, commended FRC Chairman Victor Muruako for revitalising the Commission’s work. He stressed the need to amend the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2007 to give the Commission stronger enforcement powers against fiscal offenders.
BudgIT’s Deputy Director, Vahyala Kwaga, praised the Commission’s recent performance, describing its outputs as increasingly visible and impactful. He said the partnership would amplify transparency initiatives and deepen collaboration between government and civil society.
Chairman Muruako explained that the MoU represents a strategic step toward enhancing fiscal oversight, citizen participation and institutional capacity building. He reiterated calls for legislative amendments to strengthen the Commission’s authority and also highlighted the need for improved staff welfare to ensure optimal service delivery.
The agreement sets out cooperation in civic technology integration, data sharing, public sensitisation campaigns, capacity building and institutional coordination. It also includes provisions on confidentiality, dispute resolution, anti‑corruption compliance and termination procedures.
With this partnership, both institutions aim to reinforce Nigeria’s fiscal governance architecture and promote accountability across all tiers of government.
By Ngozi Nwankwo, Abuja
