An NGO, Spotlight for Transparency and Accountability, has developed an Artificial Intelligence (AI) application, “Bayani.AI,” to support the tracking of local governments’ budgets, statutory allocations and revenue.
It was reported that the application was developed in collaboration with the MacArthur Foundation and other development partners.
Speaking at the launch of the AI system in Damaturu on Monday, the NGO’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr Muazu Modu, said the application would help reformers and citizen journalists hold public officials accountable.
According to him, the application provides the public with real-time access to extensive information on the activities of the country’s 774 local government areas.
“Our system provides complete data analysis in a simplified format.
“For instance, if you want to know how much Damaturu Local Government earned in the last five years, the AI will compile the data cumulatively and present it in whatever format you prefer,” he said.
Modu explained that the AI also has inbuilt features for tracking activities of primary healthcare centres, engaging users through chat functions, and presenting data in visual, graphical and tabular formats.
He said the application would further support efforts to revitalize local governments in line with the July 2024 Supreme Court judgment, which affirmed the full financial autonomy of the 774 local government councils.
“This AI focuses specifically on local governments as the tier of government closest to the people at the grassroots.
“We are deeply concerned about the enormous challenges at this level of governance, largely caused by the operation of joint state–local government accounts and other impediments,” he said.
In his remarks, the Executive Director of the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), Kano, Mr Yunusa Zakariyau, highlighted the link between technology and democratic development in the country.
According to him, technological tools such as AI and social media improve access to governance information, enhance citizen engagement with authorities and serve as effective feedback mechanisms.
“Civil society organizations use technology for advocacy to promote transparency and accountability, which are critical requirements for sustainable democracy,” he said.
Zakariyau called on governments at all levels to promote technological awareness, accessibility, availability and affordability to bridge the digital divide and support democratic and economic development in the country.
