By Princess Funsho Sumanu
The Kogi State House of Assembly has been commended for its commitment to strengthening fiscal responsibility, accountability, and prudent management of public resources in the state.
The commendation was made by the Kogi State Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC) Chairman, Alh. Jimoh Muhammed, during its continued sensitization and engagement with government institutions on the provisions and applicability of the Fiscal Responsibility Law.
The Chairman, who was represented by the Secretary of the Commission, Prince Ayo Emmanuel Esq., led the Commission’s delegation to the House of Assembly, where he explained that the engagement was part of efforts to deepen understanding and compliance with the law across government institutions.
Prince Emmanuel recalled that the Fiscal Responsibility Law was initially passed by the Kogi State House of Assembly in 2012 before it was subsequently repealed by the same Assembly and assented to by the Governor. He noted that the current engagement with the Legislature was important, particularly as the Assembly itself plays a critical role in ensuring that fiscal principles and financial regulations are upheld.
He explained that although the Commission has a statutory responsibility to submit reports to the House of Assembly, the principle of checks and balances requires that institutions subject themselves to appropriate scrutiny, adding that the Assembly had demonstrated leadership by ensuring that financial matters receive the necessary legislative oversight.
According to him, the visit was also to engage the relevant officials in an interactive session to clarify issues relating to fiscal responsibility and the implementation of the law.
He, however, noted that the broader objective of the sensitisation exercise was to strengthen the applicability of the Fiscal Responsibility Law and ensure that Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), government institutions and the 21 Local Government Areas are adequately acquainted with its provisions, particularly those relating to budgetary provisions and procurement processes.
He stressed that the Fiscal Responsibility Law was designed to promote prudent management of public resources and ensure that government expenditure delivers value to the people.
Receiving the delegation on behalf of the Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf, the Clerk of the House, Alhaji Chogudo Sule Ahmed, commended the Commission for reviving and actively pursuing its statutory responsibilities.
Alhaji Ahmed noted that the Fiscal Responsibility Law had undergone necessary review and fine-tuning before its enactment and assent in March 2026, explaining that the process was aimed at ensuring that the law remained relevant and capable of addressing emerging fiscal realities.
He described the renewed activities of the Fiscal Responsibility Commission as a welcome development, observing that while the law had existed previously, the Commission had not been sufficiently visible or active in carrying out its responsibilities.
The Clerk expressed satisfaction with the renewed commitment of the present leadership of the Commission, saying its current sensitisation exercise would help Ministries, Departments and Agencies better understand the existence, mandate and responsibilities of the Commission.
He noted that early identification and correction of lapses by MDAs would ultimately strengthen compliance and prevent recurring shortcomings in the management of public resources.
Speaking on the statutory responsibilities of the House of Assembly, Alhaji Ahmed explained that lawmaking remained one of its principal constitutional functions, adding that the Assembly also operates through various committees that monitor the implementation of laws and appropriations across government institutions.
He said such oversight activities were necessary to ensure that government agencies complied with the laws enacted and appropriations approved by the Legislature.
The Assembly’s representative therefore welcomed the renewed partnership between the Legislature and the Fiscal Responsibility Commission, expressing optimism that the ongoing engagements would contribute significantly to improved fiscal discipline, transparency and accountability in Kogi State.
The FRC sensitisation and monitoring exercise is part of the Commission’s broader efforts to ensure that public institutions understand and comply with the provisions of the Fiscal Responsibility Law, thereby strengthening fiscal governance and promoting responsible management of public resources across the state.
The Commission has continued its engagements with MDAs and other public institutions as part of its mandate to promote fiscal responsibility, accountability, transparency and value for money in government expenditure.
