The Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC) is seeking stronger partnerships with its supervising ministry, the Federal Ministry of Finance.

The Acting Chairman of the Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC), Barrister Charles Chukwuemeka Abana said this when he led the Commission’s management team on a courtesy visit to the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Finance, Mr Raymond Omenka Omachi at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.

Speaking during the visit, Abana described the Permanent Secretary as a key figure in the history of the Commission, noting that Omachi was among the pioneer staff of the FRC and served as its first Head of Accounts.

According to the Acting Chairman, the decision to make the Permanent Secretary the first point of call since his assumption of office was informed by Omachi’s longstanding relationship with the Commission and his deep institutional knowledge of its operations.

“There is virtually no story about the Commission that the Permanent Secretary does not know,” Abana said, adding that the Federal Ministry of Finance remains a “big brother” to government agencies and an important stakeholder in the Commission’s activities.

He appreciated the support previously extended to the Commission by the Permanent Secretary, particularly during the tenure of the immediate past Chairman of the FRC, Victor Muruako, Esq., and appealed for continued cooperation.

Barrister Abana also briefed the Permanent Secretary on the outcome of the Commission’s recently concluded management retreat, where a strategic work plan aimed at aligning the Commission’s operations with international best practices was developed.

He disclosed that the Commission had concluded arrangements to organise a workshop on Fiscal Responsibility Index studies for Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

The Acting Chairman further highlighted ongoing efforts to amend the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA) 2007, noting that although the law contains several offences, many lack corresponding sanctions.

He explained that the Commission is currently collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Justice to strengthen the Act and ensure more effective implementation. He also revealed that discussions are ongoing with the National Assembly on fiscal rules and the process of getting them gazetted.

On manpower challenges, Abana lamented the shortage of staff within the Commission, attributing the situation to the migration of employees to other government agencies offering better remuneration.

He stressed the need for staff recruitment, training, and retraining to enable personnel to meet the demands of the Commission’s mandate effectively.

The Acting Chairman also raised concerns over inadequate office accommodation, describing the current office arrangement as unhealthy, with deputy directors reportedly sharing office spaces with junior officers.

He appealed to the Permanent Secretary to assist the Commission in addressing its operational challenges.

In his response, the Permanent Secretary, Mr Raymond Omenka Omachi, FCA, expressed delight at receiving the Acting Chairman and members of the management team.

He commended Barrister Abana’s leadership and expressed confidence in his ability, as one of the Commission’s foundation members, to reposition the FRC for greater impact.

Omachi noted that the Commission had made significant contributions to fiscal discipline and accountability in the country, stressing that the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007 has played a critical role in the efficient management of national resources.

He acknowledged the poor office conditions under which FRC staff currently operate and advised the Commission to formally engage the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), which he described as the Commission’s supervisory authority, on the accommodation issue.

On the proposed amendment to the FRA 2007, the Permanent Secretary assured the Commission of the ministry’s support, particularly during public hearings and stakeholder engagements.

He further pledged continued support for the Commission, noting that the agency’s responsibilities require adequate funding and institutional backing.

Omachi also called on staff members to support the leadership of Barrister Charles Chukwuemeka Abana in advancing the Commission’s mandate.