Public scrutiny key to fiscal governance -FRC

By Vivian Emoni

The Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC), says public scrutiny remains crucial to strengthening fiscal governance.

The Acting Chairman of the FRC, Mr Charles Abana, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja.

Abana noted that transparent oversight promoted accountability, curbs corruption and ensured prudent management of public resources.

He said it was therefore pertinent that Nigerians actively demanded accountability from public officials to improve transparency and fiscal governance across the country.

According to him, citizens must ask questions about public spending to ensure government resources are properly managed.

“Citizens must take greater interest on how public resources are managed at all levels of government.

“Fiscal governance challenges exist at the federal, state and local government levels. The local government remains the closest tier of government to the people.”

The chairman identified weak citizen engagement in governance as a major challenge to transparency and accountability in Nigeria.

He noted that the Federal Government had introduced measures to strengthen financial autonomy and increase allocations to states and local governments, adding that citizens must monitor how such resources were utilised for development.

According to him, many citizens are not asking enough questions about public spending and project implementation.

“Elected officials hold public resources in trust for the people and should account for their stewardship.”

Abana explained that the Fiscal Responsibility Act provided avenues for citizens to seek explanations from public officials, urging residents to question projects and programmes implemented in their communities.

He said communities should engage leaders regularly on budget implementation and service delivery.

“Democracy functions effectively when citizens participate actively in governance. Electorate should understand that elected leaders are responsible for managing public resources for public benefit.

“Citizens should show interest in issues affecting governance after elections. Accountability should not be viewed as the responsibility of opposition politicians alone.

“Every citizen has the right to demand explanations from public office holders,” he said.

The chairman also advised public officials to consult communities before embarking on projects, adding that projects should reflect the actual needs and priorities of local residents.

He noted that effective communication between government and citizens would improve service delivery.

He reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to promoting transparency, accountability and prudent management of public resources.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deborah Coker