A civic tech organisation, BudgIT has continued to educate the Nigerians citizens on questioning the frivolous spending in the Nigeria’s federal budget through the use of open data.
A recent report by Thematic Research Network on Data and Statistics (TRENDS) stated that BudgIT, over the years, has helped Nigerians to better understand Nigeria budget through the use of digital technologies and visual representations.
Through budget inquiry, BudgIT has uncovered various questionable figures inserted in the budget one of which is 41 million naira (US$113,575) investment that claimed to be funding a non-existent youth center in Kebbi State by Honorable Muhammad Umar Jega– a National Assembly representative for Gwandu, Aliero, and Jega in Kebbi State.
TRENDS noted that BudgIT has engaged citizens in more that 600 communities, monitored 5,273 public projects as well as organizing 4,271 town hall meetings across the country.
Speaking on the use of open data in tackling corruption, the founder of BudgIT, Oluseun Onigbinde said that opening information on public funds help in strengthening social contracts between the electorate and the leaders.
“Opening up information throws up more debate within a society, and reveals the patches of corruption. If no one knows what goes on in government and citizens are handed a fuzzy narrative, the incentive to steal funds is high. When we open up information about the flow of public funds, we strengthen the social contract, and deepen the trust between the electorate and the leader.”
In enhancing citizen participation, the civic group created budget tracking tools and programs like Tracka, which allows Nigerians to share updates and photos on development projects in their areas.
According to Onigbinde, Tracka is operational in 30 states across Nigeria and over 600 communities.
Also, BudgIT works with international organizations such as CIVICUS, Open Government Partnership, and the OPEN Alliance to encourage the Nigerian government to adhere to international standards of transparency and accountability.
TRENDS maintained that in 2017, BudgIT sought to analyze the country’s budget encouraging citizens to review the budget.
“Working with citizens, BudgIT compiled a 2,210-page document of searchable budgetary data. It was then translated into simplified budgetary documents for public distribution. BudgIT distributed 20,000 copies of these simplified budget documents and sent out approximately 480 budget-related SMS messages to Nigerians in urban and rural areas, encouraging citizens to review the budget.”
BudgIT has recorded success in its citizen engagement process with millions of people reached.
Read Full Report here
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