By Nefishetu Yakubu
Director-General of National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, has stressed the importance of good leadership, reforms and accountability to achieving effective fiscal governance in Nigeria.
Sulaiman stated this at the opening of a two-day capacity building programme for commissioners of Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) on Monday in Abuja.
While emphasising the need for fiscal reforms in the country, he, however, warned that they presented some challenges, including volatility, competing interests, global pressures and rising public demand for accountability.
Sulaiman described RMAFC as central to national development, noting that its mandate covered revenue monitoring, allocation advice and ensuring equity nationwide.
He added that Nigeria’s fiscal reforms were necessary, but warned that they presented challenges including volatility, competing interests, global pressures, and rising public demand for accountability.
The director-general, who explained that the commissioners’ roles were custodians of fiscal equity, urged them to promote trust, ensure fairness and adopt data-driven decisions in navigating an evolving policy environment.
He said that the programme was carefully designed to address realities, focusing on leadership, fiscal trends, innovation, accountability frameworks and stakeholder engagement for improved institutional performance.
Sulaiman said that the participants would gain practical tools for decision-making, revenue tracking, conflict resolution and results-oriented management aimed at strengthening transparency, efficiency and greater public confidence.
He reaffirmed NILDS’ commitment to democratic governance, stating that strong institutions were built on strong leadership, in collaboration with the legislature, the executive and the states.
He called for active participation of the participants in the capacity building training which, he said, was aimed at ensuring a well-informed workforce capable of driving reforms, improving governance outcomes and advancing national development.
The Chairman, National Assembly Liaison and Special Duties Committee on RMAFC, Abdulazeez Idris, said the training was conceived to strengthen institutional capacity and equip participants with skills required to function effectively in an increasingly complex administrative environment.
Idris explained that the programme targetted critical areas, including legislative engagement, intergovernmental relations and special assignments, which underpinned discipline, professionalism and operational efficiency in public institutions.
He disclosed that some of the participants were newly appointed while were having their roles expanded, adding, therefore, that the training would serve as orientation and refresher for them align with institutional values and expectations.
“Participants will engage seasoned experts through interactive sessions designed to deliver practical insights, enabling immediate application of knowledge to daily administrative responsibilities,” he said
Idris urged participants to actively participate, ask questions, share experiences and fully immerse themselves in the process of maximising the benefits of the programme.
He expressed appreciation to the commission’s leadership and resource persons, noting their support and expertise were instrumental in making the training a reality.
He expressed optimism that participants would show improved competence and professionalism, alongside renewed commitment to public service ideals at the end of the programme
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that participants were taken through the dynamics of strengthening intergovernmental relations and enhancing legislative oversight for effective revenue mobilisation.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
NY/WAS
Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq
