By News Maker Media in Abuja
President Bola Tinubu’s nominee for chairman of the Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC), Abdullahi Saidu, has told the Senate that the commission has operated without a board for more than 13 years, a situation he said has hampered its activities.
Saidu made the disclosure on Thursday during his screening by the Senate Committee on Finance, alongside six other nominees for membership of the commission’s board.
The screening was presided over by Senator Lere Oyewumi, vice-chairman of the committee, who represented its chairman, Senator Sani Musa.
According to Saidu, the prolonged absence of a board means the incoming leadership would have to rebuild the commission’s institutional capacity and establish effective operational structures.
He disclosed that the commission, which was expected to maintain offices across the country’s six geopolitical zones, currently operated only from Abuja.
The nominee pledged that, if confirmed, the board would collaborate with the National Assembly and other relevant stakeholders to strengthen the commission and improve its ability to fulfil its statutory responsibilities.
Saidu also disclosed that the commission lacked prosecutorial powers, explaining that it could investigate cases and forward its findings to the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice for prosecution. He said the proposed board would seek legislative amendments to strengthen the commission’s independence and operational capacity.
Expressing confidence in the commission’s prospects, Saidu said the board could improve its performance within one year if provided with the necessary support. Senator Osita Ngwu moved a motion for the nominees to take a bow and leave, which Senator Sadiq Suleiman Umar seconded. The committee is expected to submit its report to the Senate for further legislative action.
