Kogi Information Commissioner Pledges Transparency, Accountability In Public Resource Management

By Segun Adegboyega

The Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Hon. Kingsley Femi Fanwo, has reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and the prudent management of public resources.

The Commissioner gave the assurance on while receiving a delegation from the Kogi State Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC) in Lokoja.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Tijani Awulu, the Commissioner said the Ministry is responsible for managing and coordinating government information, communication, and media relations. He noted that the Ministry has remained consistent in branding and projecting the positive image of the state government.

“As a Ministry, we provide policy direction for communication strategies, supervise state-owned media organizations, and promote transparency, public enlightenment, and citizen engagement. These responsibilities align with the mandate of the Fiscal Responsibility Commission,” Mr. Awulu stated.

He assured the Commission of the Ministry’s continued compliance with fiscal laws to ensure the seamless execution of its mandate and the effective projection of government policies and programmes.

He also commended Hon. Fanwo for his leadership and administrative coordination, which he said have ensured effective policy execution and interdepartmental synergy in line with the vision of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo.

The visit is part of the Commission’s ongoing efforts to deepen awareness of the Fiscal Responsibility Law and strengthen compliance across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in the state.

Leading the delegation on behalf of the Chairman of the Commission, Alhaji Jimoh Muhammed, the Director of Planning and Strategy, Mallam Abubakar Musa, said the visit was aimed at verifying compliance with fiscal responsibility requirements and sensitizing public servants on the provisions and importance of the law.

He described the verification exercise as a collaborative and supportive process designed to help public institutions align their operations with the law and avoid administrative lapses that may arise from ignorance of statutory provisions.

Mallam Musa disclosed that the Commission was established in 2012, but has recorded renewed effectiveness following recent reforms, including the review of the Fiscal Responsibility Law and its assent by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo in March this year.

He stressed the need for public officers to familiarize themselves with the law, warning that ignorance could expose officials to accountability issues even after leaving office.

He added that the Commission’s mandate includes ensuring prudent management of public resources and supporting MDAs to understand and comply with established fiscal guidelines.