Public institutions in Nigeria must prioritize financial accountability and operational transparency before asking the government for bigger budget allocations. Nkechi Egerton-Idehen, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited, made this call during an official administrative forum in Abuja.

She stressed that public organizations need to demonstrate clear value and show how current funds are spent before demanding extra financial support.

The NIGCOMSAT chief explained that true accountability builds public confidence and ensures that limited government resources are used efficiently. She noted that many public bodies frequently request increased funding without presenting verifiable records of past accomplishments or clear performance metrics. In her view, shifting toward a results-oriented mindset will help state-owned agencies become more self-sustaining and less dependent on government bailouts.

Highlighting her agency’s internal reforms, Egerton-Idehen shared how NIGCOMSAT restructured its operations to improve service delivery and revenue generation. By streamlining business processes and reducing wasteful spending, the satellite company managed to expand its satellite internet footprint across underserved rural communities. She pointed to these operational improvements as proof that public institutions can achieve strong results through disciplined management.

The agency head also encouraged leaders across various public sectors to embrace digital tracking tools and open reporting standards. Implementing modern accounting systems, she argued, makes it easier for oversight bodies and citizens to monitor how public funds are deployed. She emphasized that embracing digital innovation is no longer optional if government agencies want to eliminate financial leakages and build trust.

Her remarks come at a time when the federal government is tightening fiscal controls and encouraging public institutions to boost their internal revenue. Industry observers and policy experts have praised the call for reform, describing financial open-ness as a crucial step toward fixing public sector inefficiency. The conversation is expected to spark broader discussions on how state agencies are evaluated during future budget preparation cycles.

Photo credit: Punch Newspaper