BudgIT, a civic tech organization committed to transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s public finance, has responded to recent media reports that it says misrepresented its findings on Sokoto State’s budget and fiscal transparency. The organization emphasized that its evaluation was not meant to criticize Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s administration but to encourage greater financial disclosure, which is crucial for good governance.
In a statement, BudgIT explained that its State Fiscal Transparency League (SFTL) Report builds on the World Bank’s State Fiscal Transparency, Accountability, and Sustainability (SFTAS) Program. The SFTL assessment uses a clear methodology to evaluate how timely, accessible, and comprehensive state financial data is when published on public platforms. The report, FOUND HERE enables citizens to compare the financial disclosures of all 36 states in Nigeria.
For Q3 2024, Sokoto State ranked 36th in fiscal transparency, highlighting significant gaps in financial reporting. While the state received perfect scores in the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Approved Budget categories, it fell short in revenue reporting, audit transparency, and the e-procurement portal. According to BudgIT, these deficiencies make it harder for the public to access essential financial data, which is key to accountability and informed decision-making.
ALSO READ Nigeria’s Explosive Crisis: Tackling the Rising Tide of Tanker and Gas Cylinder Disasters
The organization acknowledged that Sokoto State has made commendable progress in fiscal governance in the past. It received three World Bank Awards of Excellence for successfully implementing the SFTAS Program and secured $22 million in grants between 2019 and 2020.
However, BudgIT stressed that past successes should not lead to complacency. The quarterly SFTL analysis serves as a tool to sustain fiscal accountability, even without financial incentives.
BudgIT also refuted claims in some media reports suggesting that Sokoto State lacks the funding and technical capacity to maintain digital infrastructure for transparency.
The organization stated that transparency is not just a matter of resources but a fundamental governance principle. Governments exist to serve the people, who have the right to know how public funds are managed.
In response to allegations that BudgIT overlooked Governor Aliyu’s fiscal prudence, the organization referenced its 2024 State of States Report. It ranked Sokoto 23rd in fiscal performance, 26th in fiscal viability, 34th in internally generated revenue growth capacity, 13th in borrowing bandwidth, and 20th in prioritizing capital expenditure over operating costs. BudgIT reaffirmed that its reports are impartial, data-driven, and not politically motivated.
“It is not enough to manage public funds effectively; transparency validates governance and builds lasting trust,” said Gabriel Okeowo, BudgIT’s Country Director. “Shifting blame to previous administrations detracts from the opportunity before the current government. Governor Aliyu has a unique chance to champion transparency and set new standards for governance.”
Okeowo also criticized what he described as “coordinated narratives” in certain national publications that he said attempted to undermine BudgIT’s credibility. He reiterated that the organization’s report was intended to encourage Sokoto State to enhance its transparency measures, fostering greater public participation and proactive financial disclosures.
BudgIT expressed its readiness to provide technical support to Sokoto State in revitalizing its transparency efforts and building on its past achievements.
“The SFTAS Program has proven that transparency is achievable with political will, adequate resources, and a commitment to reform. Sokoto State has demonstrated leadership in this area before, and there is no reason for setbacks. The state must take this opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to accountability,” Okeowo concluded.
