. Advocates transparency to curb revenue leakages
The Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC) says Nigeria’s new tax reforms will improve revenue collection, transparency and accountability in public financial management.
The Acting Chairman of the FRC, Mr Charles Abana, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Saturday in Abuja.
Abana said that the recent tax reforms would strengthen revenue administration and support better governance across the country.
He called on Nigerians to embrace tax compliance, as the reforms would improve service delivery and accountability.
He commended the Federal Government for introducing the reforms, adding that it would as well modernise the country’s tax system.
He noted that many previous tax laws no longer reflected the current economic realities.
According to him, technological innovations and emerging businesses created the need for updated tax laws.
“This is a positive step toward improving revenue generation in the country.”
The acting chairman said the Commission supported measures that promote efficiency in revenue collection, adding that the FRC was mandated to ensure compliance with global best practices.
He said that the reforms would improve transparency in tax administration and public finance management, while noting that taxes remain a major source of government revenue.
“Accountability in tax collection and spending is essential for public trust. The commission contributed ideas during consultations that preceded the reforms.
“Some of the commission’s recommendations were reflected in the new laws,” he said.
Abana emphasised the need for proper management of revenues generated through taxation, adding that many Nigerians still required more information about the reforms.
He called for wider public enlightenment on the objectives of the new tax system.
Abana urged government agencies, civil society groups, media organisations and other relevant stakeholders to support the sensitisation efforts.
He said enlightenment campaigns should be conducted in English and local languages, while noting that improved understanding would encourage voluntary tax compliance.
Abana expressed confidence that sustained awareness would help Nigerians embrace taxation as a civic responsibility.
While speaking on digitisation and collaboration, Abana noted that technology would strengthen monitoring, transparency and accountability in public finance management.
He said that digital tools and effective collaboration with key agencies would improve oversight of public finances and revenue management, adding that technology remained vital to effective service delivery.
“Technology allows faster tracking of government revenues and expenditures. Financial information can now be monitored more efficiently. Government agencies are increasingly adopting digital processes.
“Technology helps reduce errors and improves accountability. The commission is developing customised platforms to support its operations,” he said.
The Chairman said that the commission was working with software developers to improve its systems.
He noted that technology would strengthen the commission’s monitoring capacity and promote the efficient and prudent management of public resources.
According to him, technology adoption forms part of the commission’s strategic plan, the commission also plans stronger cooperation with key government institutions.
“We work closely with agencies responsible for finance and debt management.
“As we all know that collaboration improves information sharing and policy implementation.
“Our partnership with relevant stakeholders has effectively promoted fiscal accountability,” he said. (NAN)
One of the major measures is the digitalisation of revenue collection systems. The digital platforms make it easier to monitor transactions and improve transparency in government revenue administration.
Resource management
Meanwhile, Abana also said transparency, accountability and digital revenue management remain key tools for reducing revenue leakages and improving public fund management.
He noted that the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007 provided the framework for prudent management of public resources, adding that the Act mandated the commission to monitor and enforce fiscal responsibility across government institutions.
According to him, its primary objective is to provide rule-based financial guidelines to checkmate wastages and financial rascality in public spending.
“It also promotes accountability, transparency and long-term macroeconomic stability in the management of public finances,” he said.
The acting chairman said effective accountability mechanisms would significantly reduce revenue leakages across government operations.
He noted that although leakages might not be completely eliminated in the short term, but they could be drastically reduced.
He said the government had adopted several measures to strengthen revenue collection and management processes.
“One of the major measures is the digitalisation of revenue collection systems. The digital platforms make it easier to monitor transactions and improve transparency in government revenue administration.”
Abana cited the Treasury Single Account as a critical initiative for improving revenue management, adding that it centralised all government cash resources into a unified account.
He said the policy consolidated government revenues into a single account for effective monitoring and control, noting that the government discouraged manual cash transactions to enhance revenue tracking.
According to him, electronically generated records provide better accountability than manual receipts.
He said technology-driven systems align with the objectives of the Fiscal Responsibility Act, adding that digitalisation has helped to strengthen accountability and reduce revenue leakages in public financial management.
Abana noted that the commission remained committed to supporting government efforts aimed at ensuring prudent financial management.
Speaking on development partnerships, he said international support for public financial management reforms had existed for many years.
He said that support from development partners was helping to strengthen institutional reforms and improve delivery of its mandate.
He said the commission recently organised a retreat to reposition its management for greater effectiveness and productivity.
“The retreat was supported by the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme implemented by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) and funded by the European Union (EU).
“The retreat focused on unveiling and validating the commission’s new strategic plan (2026–2028) and building institutional capacity for fiscal oversight and prudence.
“The week-long retreat reviewed the commission’s strategic objectives and actionable plans for achieving its mandate,’’ he said.
Abana expressed appreciation to the development partners, describing their support as critical to strengthening reforms and improving the commission’s performance. (NAN)
