The Executive Chairman of the Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC), Victor Muruako, has emphasized the need for strict adherence to the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007 across all tiers of government, as part of efforts to promote transparency, accountability, and sound fiscal management in Nigeria.
Muruako made this call during the public presentation of the Transparency and Integrity Index 2025 Methodology to public institutions and state governments. The event was organized by the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR) in collaboration with the Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity, and held at the Federal Ministry of Finance in Abuja.
Speaking at the event, Muruako urged Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), as well as sub-national governments, to embrace the Transparency and Integrity Index not as a bureaucratic obligation but as a strategic tool for institutional improvement and public trust.
“This event marks a crucial step in our collective journey toward deepening accountability, transparency, and ethical governance across Nigeria’s public institutions,” he said. “We at the Fiscal Responsibility Commission commend the renewed focus of the 2025 methodology on key governance pillars. Transparency is not an abstract ideal—it is a practical necessity and the foundation upon which sound public finance management is built.”
He also reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s efforts in strengthening local government systems and implementing fiscal reforms across all levels of governance.
The FRC boss lauded the alignment of the Index with key legal frameworks such as the Freedom of Information Act, Public Procurement Act, and the Fiscal Responsibility Act, noting that this synergy enhances collaboration between regulatory agencies, MDAs, and the broader public accountability ecosystem.
“We encourage all MDAs and sub-nationals to use this exercise as an opportunity for self-reflection and transformation. By actively engaging with the Index, we move closer to a governance culture that values transparency, performance, and citizen-centered service delivery,” he added.
Also speaking at the event, Director-General of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms, Dr. Dasuki Arabi, noted that the Index will help evaluate and identify MDAs that demonstrate excellence in governance. He highlighted that the methodology fosters institutional openness, promotes the ease of doing business, encourages freedom of information, and enhances service delivery.
Dr. Arabi called on Nigerians to support President Tinubu’s ongoing economic reforms, aimed at enhancing public financial management and transparency.
Representing the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, His Excellency George Akume, was Dr. Moris Mbaeri, who also stressed the importance of strengthening financial systems across all levels of government.
The keynote presentation on the Transparency and Integrity Index was delivered by Dr. Umar Yakubu, Executive Director of the Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity. He outlined the five key evaluation metrics used to assess MDAs: financial disclosures, procurement processes, human resources management, anti-corruption measures, and citizen engagement.
The event was attended by representatives from the Fiscal Responsibility Commission, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nigeria Customs Service, and various MDAs. Muruako also commended the BPSR for facilitating a one-day capacity-building program for officials of the Gambian Ministry of Public Service at the FRC.
The engagement reaffirmed a shared commitment to deepening institutional integrity, promoting good governance, and fostering fiscal responsibility across the Nigerian public sector.
(FRC Media, 28th May, 2025)