In a demonstration of its unwavering commitment to promoting fiscal discipline and transparency as enshrined in the Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2007, the Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC) hosted a delegation from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
The visit, coordinated through the FRC’s Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU), was part of the ICPC’s nationwide Ethics and Integrity Compliance Scorecard exercise aimed at strengthening good governance and ethical practices among Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
The Ethics and Integrity Compliance Scorecard is a key tool deployed by the ICPC to identify gaps in institutional integrity and recommend reforms that align with global best practices. The ICPC team evaluated several core areas within the Commission, including Procurement, Human Resources, Finance and Audit, and Communications, focusing particularly on website management and public engagement mechanisms—essential elements in fostering transparency and accountability in public service delivery.
Ahead of the visit, the FRC’s ACTU undertook a rigorous internal system study to assess workflows, identify operational bottlenecks, and propose actionable strategies to enhance productivity and accountability. This aligns with the FRC’s statutory mandate to ensure prudence in the management of public resources and to promote fiscal sustainability across all levels of government, as provided for in the Fiscal Responsibility Act.
During the exercise, the ICPC team lauded the Commission for its proactive approach, notably the internal self-assessment that highlighted areas of improvement even before the external evaluation. The ICPC emphasized that the Scorecard is designed as a constructive tool for institutional strengthening rather than a punitive measure.
Speaking on behalf of the Executive Chairman, Deputy Director of Administration Mr. Usman Nasiru reiterated the FRC’s commitment to upholding ethical standards and promoting sound public finance management. He expressed optimism that the findings from the ICPC assessment would provide valuable insights for internal reforms and policy updates that will further enhance the Commission’s operations and service delivery.
“The Fiscal Responsibility Commission remains committed to the principles of transparency, accountability, and fiscal discipline as enshrined in the Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2007,” Mr. Nasiru said. “This exercise reinforces our dedication to continuous improvement and integrity in public service.”
The outcome of the assessment is expected to inform the Commission’s ongoing reforms and strengthen its efforts to entrench a culture of fiscal responsibility across MDAs nationwide.