By Mustapha Salisu
The Dispute Resolution and Development Initiative (DRDI), formerly known as Democratic Action Group (DAG), has launched a media roundtable and social media advocacy campaign aimed at promoting transparent local government budgeting and accountability across Northern Nigeria.
The event, held on Tuesday at Mambayya House, Kano, was organized under the theme “District Voices for Development: Promoting Transparent LGA Budgeting in Northern Nigeria” with support from the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) through the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Muhammad Mustapha Yahaya, Executive Director of DRDI, said the initiative builds upon the organization’s earlier campaign for local government autonomy.
“Two or three years ago, we began advocating for financial, political, and administrative autonomy at the local government level. Today, we are here to sensitize stakeholders to take responsibility for monitoring local government spending,” he stated.
Dr. Yahaya emphasized that transparency and accountability remain central to ensuring that local government funds are used to promote community development, alleviate poverty, and curb rural-urban migration.
“We must ensure that resources allocated to LGAs are used for people-centered projects that create real impact,” he added, while commending FCDO and Situation Room for their support.
Also speaking, Mansur Umar Kurugu, a Communication for Development Specialist and facilitator at the event, highlighted the role of social media in strengthening advocacy and promoting accountability in governance.
“Social media is like an empty bottle it depends on how you use it. It can be a powerful tool for citizens and community leaders to demand good governance, proper budgeting, and effective project implementation,” he said.
Kurugu urged citizens to move beyond complaints and engage actively in governance monitoring.
“Our leaders are comfortable with the status quo, but if citizens can collectively use their voices to demand accountability, change will follow,” he stressed.
He called for people-focused budgeting and sincerity from local leaders to enable communities to track development projects effectively.
The event brought together media professionals, civil society actors, and governance advocates who discussed strategies to enhance transparency and improve the impact of local government budgets through public engagement and media advocacy.