Abuja: Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, has stressed the importance of good leadership, reforms, and accountability to achieving effective fiscal governance in Nigeria. Sulaiman stated this at the opening of a two-day capacity building programme for the commissioners of the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC).
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Sulaiman emphasized the need for fiscal reforms in the country, warning of challenges such as volatility, competing interests, global pressures, and increasing public demand for accountability. He described the RMAFC as central to national development with its mandate covering revenue monitoring, allocation advice, and ensuring equity across the nation.
Sulaiman highlighted the commissioners’ roles as custodians of fiscal equity and urged them to promote trust, ensure fairness, and adopt data-driven decisions in navigating an evolving policy environment. He explained that the programme was designed to address contemporary realities, focusing on leadership, fiscal trends, innovation, accountability frameworks, and stakeholder engagement to improve institutional performance.
Participants in the programme will gain practical tools for decision-making, revenue tracking, conflict resolution, and results-oriented management aimed at strengthening transparency, efficiency, and public confidence. Sulaiman reaffirmed NILDS’ commitment to democratic governance and emphasized that strong institutions are built on strong leadership in collaboration with the legislature, the executive, and the states.
The Chairman of the National Assembly Liaison and Special Duties Committee on RMAFC, Abdulazeez Idris, stated that the training was conceived to strengthen institutional capacity and equip participants with skills required to function effectively in an increasingly complex administrative environment. Idris explained that the programme targeted critical areas, including legislative engagement, intergovernmental relations, and special assignments to underpin discipline, professionalism, and operational efficiency in public institutions.
He disclosed that some participants were newly appointed while others had their roles expanded, making the training an orientation and refresher course to align with institutional values and expectations. Idris encouraged participants to engage with seasoned experts through interactive sessions designed to provide practical insights for immediate application in daily administrative responsibilities.
Idris expressed appreciation to the commission’s leadership and resource persons, acknowledging their support and expertise in making the training a reality. He expressed optimism that participants would demonstrate improved competence and professionalism, alongside a renewed commitment to public service ideals at the end of the programme.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that participants were taken through the dynamics of strengthening intergovernmental relations and enhancing legislative oversight for effective revenue mobilisation.