The Kogi State Fiscal Responsibility Commission held its inaugural council meeting today with a renewed commitment to fiscal transparency, accountability, and prudent management of public resources in the state.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of the Commission, Hon. Jimoh Muhammed, passionately outlined the Commission’s mission and emphasized the importance of fiscal responsibility management as a cornerstone for good governance in the state.
He noted that the Commission is tasked with ensuring effective resource mobilization, debt sustainability, and judicious allocation of funds all in line with the Fiscal Responsibility Law of the State.
Hon. Muhammed highlighted several engagements undertaken by the Commission under his leadership, including visits to the Head of Service, Dr. Elijah Evinemi FCA, Mukadam Asiwaju Asiru Idris FCA, Hon. Commissioner for Finance, Budget & Economic Planning, Haj. (Dr.) Habibat Onumoko Tijani, the Accountant General, Permanent Secretary for Budget and Economic Planning, Mr. Olajide Samuel amongst others
These visits, he said, were part of efforts to deepen collaboration and align institutional goals
Acknowledging the challenges confronting the Commission, the Chairman enumerated these to include a lack of public and institutional awareness of its activities, inadequate funding, and poor working conditions. He stressed the need for better recognition and stronger partnerships with stakeholders to enable the Commission to fulfill its mandate effectively.
Hon. Muhammed thanked the Secretary to the Government of Kogi State (SGS), Mrs. Folashade Arike Ayoade, Ph.D, and the Commissioner for Finance, Budget, and Economic Planning, Hon. Asiwaju Idris, and the State Accountant General, Haj. (Dr) Habibat Tijani, for their support, emphasizing their roles as key allies in driving the Commission’s mission forward.
“We must carry the people along,” he said. “Working in silence for the people without communicating with them can often be mistaken for inaction. Transparency and engagement must go hand in hand.”
Amb. Idris Ozovehe, Chairperson of the Kogi NGOs Network (KONGONET), praised the Commission for its clarity of purpose and achievements so far. He noted that one of civil society’s biggest concerns is not always the lack of action, but the lack of public communication around government efforts.
“I marveled at how well the Chairman articulated the Commission’s responsibilities,” Amb. Ozovehe said. “This is the right institution to champion citizen engagement and transparency. With the right support, I believe this Commission can set a new standard for governance in the state.”
Amb. Ozovehe also encouraged stakeholders to inspect the Commission’s offices to appreciate its working conditions firsthand and explore ways to improve them.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Secretary of the Commission, Mr. Emmanuel Ayo, Esq, reassured all stakeholders that the Commission is fully committed to translating its mandate from words into tangible results.
“All that has been said here today is in line with the laws that established this Commission,” he stated. “These efforts will bring meaningful progress to our state by helping us harness resources and achieve value for money not just in theory, but in practice. The challenges are enormous, but with our commitment and determination, I see a new breath of hope. By our next meeting, we are confident that we will have made significant headway.”
The meeting closed with renewed energy and optimism. The Kogi State Fiscal Responsibility Commission reaffirmed its role as a key driver of fiscal discipline and pledged to strengthen its partnerships with government institutions, civil society, and the public at large.
Princess Funsho Sumanu
Public Relations Officer
Ministry of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning.
