Fiscal Responsibility Commission, ICP, others seek transparency, accountability in LG administration

Key government agencies, including the Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), have intensified calls for transparency, accountability, and fiscal discipline in local government administration in the Federation.

The Chairman of the FRC, Mr Victor Muruako; the Chairman of the CCB, Dr Abdulahi Bello; and the Chairman of the ICPC, Dr Musa Aliyu, were among the prominent participants at the just-concluded dialogue on the Accountability & Corruption Prevention Programme for Local Governments in Nigeria (ACPPLG).

The programme, organised by the ICPC, served as a crucial platform for addressing corruption-related challenges within Nigeria’s local government system.

“The discussions focused on developing robust strategies to curb corrupt practices, promote transparency, and improve the management of public funds at the local government level. Key stakeholders, including anti-corruption experts, public finance managers, and government officials, participated in brainstorming sessions designed to identify loopholes in financial accountability and recommend effective countermeasures,” the FRC’s Head, Strategic Communications Directorate, Mr Bede Anyanwu, said in a statement in Abuja on Friday.

Speaking at the event, Muruako emphasised the need for stringent financial oversight and adherence to fiscal responsibility laws to prevent the misuse of public funds.

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The FRC boss highlighted that local governments play a critical role in national development and must be held to high standards of financial discipline.

In the same vein, Bello of the CCB reiterated the agency’s commitment to enforcing ethical conduct among public officials.

The CCB Chairman noted that strict adherence to financial regulations and ethical standards would help mitigate corruption risks at the grassroots level.

“The ACPPLG programme, an initiative of the ICPC, aims to strengthen governance structures by fostering transparency and accountability in financial management across all tiers of government.

“By bringing together key institutions such as the FRC, CCB, and ICPC, the programme seeks to formulate actionable policies that will enhance fiscal discipline and improve governance outcomes at the local level.

“With Nigeria’s persistent battle against corruption, stakeholders at the forum expressed optimism that the deliberations would lead to concrete policy recommendations capable of transforming public finance management in local government administration.

“The discussions are expected to shape future anti-corruption initiatives and provide a framework for sustainable fiscal responsibility across the country,” Anyanwu further explained.

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