By Chimezie Godfrey
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s strong support for the Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC), commending the Commission for strengthening fiscal discipline and macroeconomic stability.
Akume gave the assurance on Thursday in Abuja while receiving the outgoing Executive Chairman of the Commission, Victor Muruako, whose five-year statutory tenure has ended.
Describing Muruako as “a very hardworking, result-oriented and productive leader,” the SGF praised his efforts in deepening compliance with the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007, noting that the Act remains instrumental in promoting fiscal credibility and stability.
He stressed the importance of the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), urging Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to adhere strictly to its guidelines and ensure timely submission of audited financial statements.
In his valedictory address, Muruako said his tenure focused on institutional strengthening, enforcement, collaboration and advocacy.
He expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing the political will to implement fiscal reforms and thanked the SGF for sustained administrative backing.
Highlighting key achievements, Muruako disclosed that as of June 2025, independent revenue remittances—including operating surpluses and internally generated revenue—exceeded ₦1.094 trillion against a prorated budget target of ₦2.6 trillion.
He noted strengthened enforcement through partnerships with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), repositioning fiscal infractions as economic crimes.
Despite the gains, Muruako cited funding gaps, manpower shortages and delays in amending the Fiscal Responsibility Act as challenges. He advocated stronger statutory powers for the Commission and digitalisation of fiscal monitoring through a real-time reporting portal.
He formally introduced Barr. Charles Abana, the most senior Director overseeing Legal Investigation and Enforcement at the Commission, who will assume interim oversight pending further directives.
“Fiscal responsibility is not a destination but a continuous journey of discipline, transparency and patriotism,” Muruako said.
Akume reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting the Commission’s mandate in promoting transparency and sustainable economic growth.