A web reporting application has been created by Public Enlightenment Project, a civil society organization, in collaboration with USAID to track government spending and purchases in the state of Ebonyi.
Making this disclosure at the organization’s 2nd Quarter Review Meeting for its project, the Ebonyi Local Government Fiscal Transparency, Accountability and Sustainability (LFTAS) program, Executive Director PEP Lilian Ezenwa said that the application will provide a viable means for providing solutions for problems including weaknesses in the governance structure in the local government.
The program is a USAID State Accountability, Transparency and Effectiveness (State2State) project subgrant project that focuses on local government areas.
Launched to promote democratic ideals and increase citizens’ engagement in democratic governance at the Local government levels, Ms Ezenwa explained that the application will serves as a feedback mechanism where government officials will respond to issues brought out by citizens.
“This is a review of Stakeholders on the activities that PEP have already conducted in the second quarter of their program. Is like a score card giving back to the Stakeholders what you have done, having them rate them and bring ideas to help the program succeed,” Ms Ezenwa said
“The app called “MEEPEEYA” was designed for the local government system that will make it seamless for the LG transactions and management to be done effectively without hurdles. This app will help the citizens have access to get critical information about the government, especially at the local government areas where development should be actually based like knowing how much the local government receives each month,” she added.
PEP called the meeting to discuss its project-related activities to date and consult with stakeholders on potential areas for improvement.
Participants in the meeting included representatives from the Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ, Local Government Service Commission, State House of Assembly, and the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters and Account.
The stakeholders at the meeting advocated for collaboration between the Ministry of Local Government/Chieftaincy Matters and the Local Government Service Commission as a means of strengthening the system, noting that low civil servant salaries contribute to a high level of corruption at the LGAs.
They also advocated for a review of systems and operations at the local government departments to entrench a more transparent culture among the staff.
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