Abuja: The Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC) has emphasized the importance of public scrutiny in reinforcing fiscal governance. The Acting Chairman of the FRC, Mr. Charles Abana, highlighted this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), stressing that transparent oversight is essential for promoting accountability, curbing corruption, and ensuring the prudent management of public resources.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Abana underscored the necessity for Nigerians to actively demand accountability from public officials to enhance transparency and fiscal governance nationwide. He emphasized that citizens must inquire about public spending to guarantee that government resources are managed effectively. “Citizens must take greater interest in how public resources are managed at all levels of government,” he stated, pointing out that fiscal governance challenges persist across federal, state, and local government levels. The local government, being the closest tier to the people, requires particular attention.
The chairman identified weak citizen engagement in governance as a significant barrier to transparency and accountability in Nigeria. He noted that the Federal Government had implemented measures to bolster financial autonomy and increase allocations to states and local governments. However, it is imperative for citizens to monitor how these resources are utilized for development. Abana mentioned that many citizens are not sufficiently questioning public spending and project implementation. “Elected officials hold public resources in trust for the people and should account for their stewardship,” he asserted.
Abana elaborated that the Fiscal Responsibility Act provides mechanisms for citizens to seek explanations from public officials, urging residents to question projects and programs initiated in their communities. He encouraged communities to engage their leaders regularly on budget implementation and service delivery. “Democracy functions effectively when citizens participate actively in governance. The electorate should understand that elected leaders are responsible for managing public resources for public benefit,” he added. Abana stressed that accountability should not be viewed solely as the responsibility of opposition politicians; rather, every citizen has the right to demand explanations from public office holders.
Furthermore, the chairman advised public officials to consult communities before initiating projects, ensuring that these projects align with the actual needs and priorities of local residents. He noted that effective communication between the government and citizens would enhance service delivery. Reaffirming the commission’s commitment, he stated that the FRC remains dedicated to promoting transparency, accountability, and the prudent management of public resources.