The Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC) has intensified efforts to amend the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA) 2007, engaging the National Assembly and the Federal Ministry of Justice to address gaps that have weakened enforcement of the law.

Acting Chairman of the commission, Charles Abana, disclosed this on Tuesday during a courtesy visit to the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Finance, Raymond Omachi, in Abuja.

Abana said that although the FRA 2007 prescribed offences relating to fiscal misconduct, many of them are not backed by corresponding sanctions, limiting the commission’s ability to enforce compliance effectively.

According to him, the commission is working with the Federal Ministry of Justice to address the deficiencies and strengthen the implementation of the Act.

He added that consultations were ongoing with the National Assembly on the codification and gazetting of fiscal rules to give them stronger legal backing.

The FRA 2007 was enacted to promote prudent management of public resources, ensure macroeconomic stability and improve accountability in public spending. However, the law has faced criticism over weak enforcement mechanisms.

Abana also briefed the permanent secretary on the outcome of a recent management retreat, where the commission developed a strategic work plan aimed at aligning its operations with global best practices.

He disclosed that the commission was finalising plans for a workshop on Fiscal Responsibility Index studies for ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs).

The acting chairman, however, highlighted operational challenges confronting the commission, including a shortage of skilled personnel caused by the exit of staff to better-paying government agencies.

He warned that the development was affecting the commission’s capacity to discharge its mandate and called for urgent intervention in recruitment, training and staff development, raising concerns over inadequate office accommodation, describing the current working conditions as unsuitable for a regulatory institution. He noted that some deputy directors currently share office space with junior officers.

Responding, Omachi commended Abana’s leadership and acknowledged his longstanding relationship with the commission as one of its pioneer members.

He said the FRA 2007 had contributed significantly to strengthening fiscal discipline and public resource management in Nigeria, adding that the Ministry of Finance would support efforts to amend the legislation, particularly during stakeholder engagements and public hearings.

On the issue of office accommodation, Omachi advised the commission to formally approach the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), which he described as the commission’s supervisory authority and better positioned to address the request.