By Princess Funsho Sumanu
The Kogi State Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC) has intensified efforts to institutionalise transparency, accountability and prudent management of public resources through an ongoing statewide sensitisation and compliance verification exercise across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
The Commission’s latest engagements took it to the Ministries of Commerce and Industry, Information and Communications, and Environment and Ecological Management, where top government officials reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening fiscal discipline and promoting responsible governance in line with the Kogi State Fiscal Responsibility Law.
More than a routine inspection, the exercise reflects the Commission’s determination to ensure that every public institution understands and complies with the legal framework governing public finance management, while fostering a culture of accountability throughout the state civil service.
Leading the delegation on behalf of the Chairman of the Commission, Alhaji Jimoh Muhammed, the Director of Planning and Strategy, Mallam Abubakar Musa, explained that the visits combined sensitisation with compliance verification.
According to him, the Commission’s objective is not to sanction government institutions but to educate public officers on the provisions of the Fiscal Responsibility Law and support them in aligning their financial operations with statutory requirements.
He stressed that ignorance of the law should never become an excuse for non-compliance, warning that public officials remain accountable for decisions taken while in office, even after leaving public service.
Mallam Musa noted that although the Commission was established in 2012, its activities have gained renewed momentum following the review of the Fiscal Responsibility Law and its assent by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo in March this year.
He described the revised law as a stronger legal instrument designed to promote prudent expenditure, enhance transparency in public finance and ensure that government resources are managed in the overall interest of the people.
Commerce and Industry Commits to Accountability
At the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the Permanent Secretary, Hajia Musa A. Sualihat Bamitale, warmly received the delegation and described the engagement as both enlightening and timely.
She acknowledged that many public servants previously had limited knowledge of the Commission’s responsibilities but said the sensitisation had significantly improved understanding of its statutory mandate.
The Permanent Secretary highlighted the ministry’s strategic responsibilities, including revenue generation, industrial development, investment promotion, cooperative services and support for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), noting that sound fiscal management remains essential to achieving these objectives.
She assured the Commission of the ministry’s commitment to strengthening collaboration in promoting transparency, accountability and prudent financial management.
Information Ministry Applauds Public Enlightenment Initiative
The Commission also visited the Ministry of Information and Communications, where the Commissioner, Hon. Kingsley Femi Fanwo, was represented by Mr. Tijani Awulu.
Awulu commended the Commission for taking the sensitisation campaign directly to government institutions, describing the initiative as a proactive approach to strengthening governance.
He observed that the Commission’s activities complement the ministry’s responsibility for public enlightenment, government communication and information management.
According to him, meaningful public awareness must first begin within the civil service before extending to citizens across the state.
He outlined the ministry’s responsibilities, including coordinating government information, developing communication policies, managing media relations, promoting transparency, strengthening citizen engagement and supervising state-owned media organisations.
Awulu further explained that agencies under the ministry operate within established reporting frameworks that ensure accountability, effective monitoring and improved service delivery.
Environment Ministry Embraces Fiscal Responsibility Principles
During the visit to the Ministry of Environment and Ecological Management, the Secretary of the Commission, Barrister Ayo Emmanuel, emphasised the importance of every public institution possessing and understanding the Fiscal Responsibility Law.
He announced that copies of the revised law would be distributed to Ministries, Departments and Agencies to deepen awareness and facilitate effective implementation.
Barrister Emmanuel stated that the law exists primarily to guarantee prudent utilisation of public funds, enforce fiscal discipline and ensure that government expenditure conforms with the principles of transparency and accountability.
Responding on behalf of the Commissioner, Engr. Joseph Stephen, the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Haruna Jibo, described the Commission’s visit as highly beneficial.
He noted that the engagement had broadened the ministry’s understanding of its statutory obligations while reinforcing the importance of strong legal and institutional frameworks in achieving effective governance.
Jibo advocated sustained interaction between the Commission and government institutions, stressing that continuous engagement would improve compliance, address implementation challenges and strengthen service delivery across the public sector.
Strengthening Responsible Governance
The Commission’s visits underscore a broader commitment by the Kogi State Government to deepen fiscal responsibility across public institutions.
By combining compliance verification with continuous sensitisation, the Commission is helping to build a public service where transparency, accountability and prudent financial management become institutional values rather than mere legal obligations.
The exercise also reflects Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s commitment to strengthening governance through robust institutions, improved financial oversight and responsible management of public resources.
As the Commission continues its statewide engagement with Ministries, Departments and Agencies, stakeholders believe the initiative will enhance compliance with the Fiscal Responsibility Law, improve public confidence in government institutions and promote sustainable development through responsible fiscal governance.
