BudgIT, a leading civic-tech organization, has expressed concern over Nigeria’s poor performance in the 2023 Open Budget Survey (OBS) conducted by the International Budget Partnership (IBP).
Nigeria scored 31 out of 100 in transparency, 19 out of 100 in public participation, and 61 out of 100 in institutional oversight, ranking 92nd out of 125 countries.
The 2023 survey assessed 125 countries, accounting for 95% of the world’s population, and included budgets totaling over $33.5 trillion in spending in the 2022 Fiscal Year.
Despite a 24% global increase in transparency, Nigeria’s performance declined from its 2021 scores of 45 in transparency, 26 in public participation, and 61 in institutional oversight.
BudgIT attributed Nigeria’s disappointing performance to the government’s failure to promptly publish fiscal documents online and adopt innovative public participation practices.
To address this, BudgIT in a statement issued on Tuesday by its Communications officer, Nancy Odimegwu recommended that legislative Committees thoroughly examine budget proposals and audit reports, and publish their findings publicly.
It also urged the government to publish fiscal documents promptly, expand engagement mechanisms during budget implementation, and involve vulnerable communities.
Nigeria’s Country Manager for the International Budget Partnership, Olayinka Babalola emphasized the importance of the Open Budget Survey in generating discussion amongst citizens, government, and civil society organizations on how public finance systems can address the needs of everyone, especially the marginalized and vulnerable.
BudgIT’s Country Director, Gabriel Okeowo urged the government to revive fiscal transparency, enhance public participation, and improve timeliness in publishing detailed budget documents.
The 2023 Open Budget Survey highlights the need for accountable and inclusive public budgeting.
BudgIT urged the Nigerian government to take immediate action to enhance fiscal transparency and accountability.
(Editor: Ken Eseni)
