Media actors in Akwa Ibom State have been charged to demand fiscal transparency and responsibility from stakeholders in the extractive sector for inclusiveness and enhance expected development in host communities.
This was the focal point of the two-day capacity building on fiscal accountability organised by the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) and Oxfam, recently, where select Investigative Journalists were onboarded in Extractive Host Communities.
General Lagbaja will be remembered for his dedicated service-Etteh
In his keynote address, Mr. Ayo Omuwu, the Senior Program Officer, Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, CISLAC, welcomed participants and urged them to optimally engage in the sessions to be equipped with skills to lighten up the alleged opacity in the extractive sector.
He went further to explain how corruption has frustrated the essence of the Host Communities Development Trusts (HCDTs) provided by the Petroleum Industry Act 2021 which was to directly impact the communities through enhanced development.
In his presentation on the Role of Financial Institutions in Fiscal Accountability; exploring transparency and ethical standards, Dr. Harry Udoh took participants through understanding financial institutions and their impact on fiscal accountability, the actors and how they could be engaged.
In another session, Dr. Ibanga Isine on his part took participants through the ‘Investigative Techniques for Reporting on Financial Institutions’. He noted that Financial Institutions handle vast amounts of money that if not followed up, are vulnerable to embezzlement.
“Investigative journalism in Nigeria’s financial sector is vital for fostering transparency, encouraging accountability, and supporting a healthier, more resilient economy that benefits all citizens.
“The financial sector, including banks, insurance companies, and regulatory bodies, handles vast amounts of public and private funds. Without oversight, these funds are vulnerable to embezzlement, fraud, and budget mismanagement.
“Mismanagement or fraudulent practices within the financial sector can lead to the misallocation of funds meant for public projects and essential services. By investigating these activities, journalists help ensure that public resources serve the intended purposes, safeguarding wealth.”
Also, Dr. Abudulazeez Abdulmalik Hussaini drilled the audience with an overview of fiscal accountability in the extractive industry.
The two-day training had journalists from across reputable media organisations within Akwa Ibom State and heated sessions ensued where journalists were engaged on how to carry out this crucial assignment.
