DRDI-DAG Drives for Promoting Transparent LGA Budgeting in Northern Nigeria
By Mustapha Salisu
The Dispute Resolution and Development Initiative (DRDI), formerly known as the Democratic Action Group (DAG-Kano), has emphasized the need for citizens’ engagement in the local government budgeting process.
Dr. Muhammad Mustapha Yahaya, Executive Director of DRDI-DAG, made the call today during a one-day Stakeholders Participatory Planning Meeting held at Mambayya House, Gwamaja, Kano State.
The meeting, themed “District Voice for Development, Promoting Transparent LGA Budgeting in Northern Nigeria”, is supported by FCDO under the Nigerian Civil Society Situation Room and is scheduled to span eight months.
Dr. Mustapha explained that the initiative stems from the Kano State Government’s promise to grant financial autonomy to local governments, a commitment already transmitted to the State House of Assembly for approval.
“Now, we want to follow up and sensitize citizens to be involved in the local government budgeting process and ensure that funds allocated to their respective LGAs are judiciously utilized,” he said.
He outlined the expected outcomes of the meeting to include enlightening citizens about their budgets, increasing awareness of the funds allocated to local governments, demanding accountability on how the money is spent, and monitoring projects under their respective LGAs.
Dr. Mustapha further called on participants and citizens to join hands in supporting the government to ensure local government funds are managed transparently.
“As this is an opportunity, because Kano State is the first state about to grant full local government authority, let’s team up with the government and contribute our part as citizens to the development of local governments,” Dr. Mustapha stressed.
Highlights of the engagement included presentations, breakout sessions, and the development of workable concepts by participants in line with the project’s objectives.
