FRC, NIQS Renew Partnership to Strengthen Fiscal Accountability, Project Verification

By Iyojo Ameh

The Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC) and the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS) have renewed their strategic partnership with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing transparency, accountability, and value-for-money in public expenditure management.

The agreement was signed at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja during a ceremony attended by senior officials of both institutions.

Speaking at the event, Acting Chairman of the FRC, Charles Chukwuemeka Abana, described the renewed pact as a reaffirmation of the long-standing collaboration between the two organisations in promoting fiscal discipline and prudent management of public resources.

Abana welcomed the President of the NIQS, Aminu Mohammed Bashir, and his delegation, commending the institute for its continued support of the Commission’s capital projects verification exercises across the country.

He noted that the first MoU signed in October 2021 significantly strengthened the Commission’s project verification activities through the technical expertise provided by quantity surveyors nominated by the institute.

According to him, the contributions of NIQS professionals have improved the credibility and effectiveness of project verification exercises, while specialized training programmes organized by the institute have enhanced the technical capacity of FRC staff.

“The renewed MoU represents not only the continuation of an existing partnership but also a reaffirmation of our shared commitment to fiscal discipline, accountability, professionalism, and the efficient utilization of public resources,” Abana said.

He disclosed that the institute had already submitted a list of professionals to participate in the Commission’s 2026 Capital Projects Verification Exercise scheduled to commence next month, expressing confidence that the collaboration would continue to yield positive results.

In his remarks, Bashir described the relationship between the two institutions as one built on a common commitment to ensuring that public resources are managed with transparency, discipline, and professional rigor.

He said the renewal of the agreement was necessary to deepen a partnership that has become critical to promoting accountability in the management of public finances.

The NIQS president commended the FRC for its efforts in advancing fiscal responsibility across the public sector, noting that quantity surveyors play a crucial role in safeguarding public funds through effective cost management and project monitoring.

“Quantity Surveyors operate at the precise intersection where public funds are either protected or lost. We measure costs, verify values, detect inflationary practices, and provide forensic evidence where contracts have been manipulated,” he said.

Bashir stressed that the Commission’s mandate of ensuring prudent public expenditure cannot be fully achieved without professional cost intelligence on capital projects.

He pledged the institute’s continued support for joint project verification exercises, forensic cost auditing, and the review of expenditure frameworks to help identify fiscal risks and procurement irregularities.

The NIQS president also promised to provide specialized training for FRC personnel in construction economics, procurement integrity, capital project cost management, and forensic analysis of infrastructure spending.

Officials said the renewed partnership is expected to further strengthen oversight of public projects and promote greater accountability in the use of government resources nationwide.