NECSN Pushes Bold Constitutional Reforms for Fiscal Transparency, Credible Elections
In a decisive move aimed at enhancing governance, accountability, and transparency across Nigeria, the North East Civil Society Network (NECSN) has submitted a detailed memorandum to the Senate Committee on Constitutional Review, proposing far-reaching amendments to the 1999 Constitution.
The submission, presented during the Committee’s sitting on July 4th and 5th, 2025, focuses on two pivotal areas—fiscal reform and electoral reform—with the overarching goal of strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions and ensuring fair revenue distribution.
At the core of NECSN’s proposal is a comprehensive reform of the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation, and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC). The Network is calling for the Commission to be granted full operational autonomy as a revenue oversight and fiscal intelligence body, accountable only to the National Assembly.
NECSN recommends granting the Commission enforcement powers to summon, audit, sanction, and prosecute revenue-generating agencies and defaulters. It advocates for a real-time data integration system with agencies like FIRS, NNPCL, Customs, and NUPRC to improve transparency and curb leakages. Additionally, the memorandum calls for statutory deadlines for reviewing and implementing revenue allocation formulas, with automatic effect if the executive and legislature fail to act within the stipulated timeframe.
To ensure stronger enforcement, NECSN proposes the establishment of a Revenue Intelligence and Enforcement Unit within RMAFC with legal authority to investigate, impose penalties, and prosecute offenders. A framework for revenue forecasting and fiscal performance evaluation is also recommended.
NECSN calls for the creation of a National Fiscal Coordination Council, comprising key federal and state revenue agencies, to foster intergovernmental collaboration on a unified revenue strategy. It also urges the amendment of funding provisions to give RMAFC first-line charge from the Federation Account, safeguarding its independence. The memorandum further proposes expanding the constitutional definition of revenue to include digital earnings, e-commerce, carbon taxes, and climate finance instruments.
On electoral reform, NECSN proposes the abolition of State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs), advocating that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should be solely responsible for conducting Local Government Area elections.
The group argues that transferring these powers to INEC would standardize election procedures across the country, eliminate political interference, especially from state governors, and promote national unity through transparent and credible electoral processes. It believes the move will also enhance the efficiency and reduce the cost of election management at the local government level.
NECSN recommends amending the Constitution and relevant laws to empower INEC for this role and ensure adequate capacity building to enable it to manage LGA elections effectively.
The Network emphasized that these reforms are not mere technical changes but critical steps toward restoring public confidence in governance. By strengthening fiscal federalism, promoting non-oil revenue generation, and improving electoral integrity, the group believes Nigeria can build a more accountable, inclusive, and democratic society.
With its base in Gombe and a network of civic organizations across the North East, NECSN remains committed to championing reforms that benefit not only the region but the entire country. As constitutional review continues in the National Assembly, NECSN’s well-reasoned proposals offer a practical roadmap for driving sustainable national development.
