The Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC) has called for heightened fiscal discipline and strengthened public finance management practices among Local Government Councils in Anambra State. The Commission emphasized the need for transparency, accountability, and adherence to statutory financial procedures at all stages of governance.
The charge was delivered during a capacity-building workshop on the Local Government Accountability Framework, held at the Hilton Leisure Resort, Awka. The event brought together top local government officials—particularly those in finance and accounts—planning officers, development partners, and representatives of collaborating agencies such as ICPC, CCB, BPP, ROLAC, with IDEA as sponsors. The Resident Commissioner of ICPC, Anambra State, was also in attendance.
Speaking on behalf of the Commission, Ado Hassan, Deputy Director, Policy and Standards Directorate, underscored the need to embed fiscal responsibility principles across the entire budget cycle. He highlighted that compliance should begin with the preparation of the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), followed by annual budgeting, implementation, monitoring, and the timely publication of Approved Audited Financial Statements.
Hassan described the MTEF as the bedrock of credible public financial planning, stressing that strict adherence ensures budgets remain realistic, strategic, and aligned with long-term development objectives. He added that without transparent execution and proper auditing, the impact of public spending cannot be objectively measured.
The FRC noted that reinforcing accountability at the local government level is crucial for restoring public confidence and ensuring that funds earmarked for community development are utilized judiciously. With citizens increasingly demanding greater openness in public spending, the Commission urged councils to strengthen internal controls, adopt transparent procurement processes, and improve the credibility of their reporting systems.
Hassan reaffirmed the Commission’s readiness to support sub-national governments with ongoing training, guidelines, monitoring tools, and early-warning systems to enhance compliance with the Fiscal Responsibility Act and other national financial management standards.
The training covered several key areas, including:
Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) preparation
Budget formulation and credibility Cash management and expenditure control
Ensuring value-for-money in procurement
Internal audit and financial oversight
Preparation and publication of Audited Financial Statements
Roles of oversight institutions and citizen participation
Participants described the training as both timely and essential, particularly as local governments across the country prepare for a new fiscal planning cycle. They agreed that improved transparency and accountability would enhance service delivery and foster stronger collaboration with development partners and civil society.
The Commission reiterated that entrenching fiscal responsibility at the grassroots is vital for achieving Nigeria’s broader development goals. It pledged continued collaboration with state governments, local councils, and oversight institutions to promote sound public financial governance nationwide.
The Awka event marks another milestone in FRC’s sustained nationwide drive to strengthen fiscal discipline, enhance transparency, and ensure that public resources deliver meaningful benefits to citizens.