The Executive Chairman of the Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC), Victor Muruako, Esq., has commended the Government of The Gambia for its interest in public sector reform and improving governance.
He made this remark during a study exchange visit by a delegation from The Gambian Ministry of Public Service to the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
The visit was aimed at deepening the Gambian delegation’s understanding of the operational framework and strategic implementation of Nigeria’s Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2007. The study tour was facilitated by Professor Victor Ayeni, a notable figure in strengthening fiscal institutions across West Africa.
In his welcome address, Barrister Muruako highlighted the significant strides made by the FRC in promoting transparency, accountability, and prudence in public finance management in Nigeria. He encouraged the Gambian government to consider domesticating fiscal responsibility legislation as a means to institutionalize sound fiscal governance and ensure the efficient use of public resources.
Muruako also seized the opportunity to debunk common misconceptions about Nigeria’s governance systems, often portrayed negatively on social media. He asserted that the establishment of the Fiscal Responsibility Act has substantially aligned government spending with budgetary processes, ensuring improved fiscal discipline.
“I am pleased that this visit will allow our Gambian counterparts to witness firsthand the progress and integrity of Nigeria’s fiscal responsibility systems. It will help dispel some of the erroneous narratives circulating online,” he said.
Dr. Dasuki Arabi, Director General of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms, who accompanied the delegation, expressed satisfaction at the progress witnessed in the FRC, particularly the emergence of new leadership faces, which he described as a “conspicuous element of succession.”
He reiterated the Bureau’s commitment to fostering excellence within the public service and building a robust framework for intergovernmental cooperation across West Africa.
Speaking on behalf of the visiting delegation, Mr. Pateh Jah, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Public Service, Administrative Reforms, Policy Coordination and Delivery expressed appreciation to the FRC for the insightful sessions and transparent engagements.
He commended the Commission’s operational methodologies and expressed his hope that The Gambia would soon adopt similar legislative frameworks to enhance fiscal accountability.
“Our mandate is similar to that of the FRC in the area of monitoring and verifying government projects, to ensure actual implementation,” he noted. “We are particularly impressed by the discipline and rigor observed in Nigeria’s fiscal oversight system. There is much we can adapt from this experience.”
He also remarked on the accountability system in their civil service, stating, “We operate on a principle of ‘carrot and stick’ – rewarding good performance and addressing lapses firmly.”
The engagement featured detailed presentations from several FRC Directorate Heads, including: Dr. Chris Uwadoka, Special Adviser to the Executive Chairman; Mr. Bello Gulmare, Deputy Director/Head, Monitoring and Evaluation; Mr. Bello Ibrahim, Deputy Director/Head, Planning, Research and Statistics; Mr. Ado Hassan, Deputy Director/Head, Policy and Standards; Mr. Bede Ogueri Anyanwu, Deputy Director/Head, Strategic Communications.
The visit concluded with a renewed commitment from both parties to foster stronger collaboration and knowledge exchange in promoting fiscal responsibility and public sector reforms across West Africa.
