BudgIT Hits Back At Sokoto State Government
BudgIT, a civic-tech organisation promoting transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s public service, says its report on Sokoto State’s fiscal transparency was not an attack on Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s government but rather a call for action.
BudgIT said it would not condone any syndicated attempt to tarnish its well-earned reputation.
It said that the evaluation was to encourage Sokoto state government to be proactive in its disclosure of budgetary and other financial information, which is a critical element of good governance.
“The State Fiscal Transparency League (SFTL) Report, which builds on the World Bank’s SFTAS Program, is an assessment based on a clear methodology designed to evaluate and encourage proactive financial disclosures by governments.
“For Q3 2024, the report ranked Sokoto State 36th, indicating significant gaps in its fiscal transparency practices. While the state achieved perfect scores in areas like the MTEF and Approved Budget, it faced challenges in revenue reporting, audit transparency, and the e-procurement portal.
“The non-availability of the data means the government is not upholding its end of the social contract,” BudgIT stated.
It recalled that before Governor Aliyu’s assumption of office, Sokoto State had shown commendable progress in fiscal governance, earning three World Bank Awards of Excellence for its exemplary implementation of the SFTAS Programme.
“The state received $22 million in grants from the World Bank between 2019 and 2020. These achievements underscore the potential for transparency reform.
“However, resting on past laurels is insufficient; this is why the quarterly SFTL analysis by BudgIT is a sustainability measure to uphold the gains of the SFTAS and ensure that even without a financial incentive, the states can be transparent.
“The serious commitment and attention that several other states routinely demonstrate is a testament to this.”
BudgIT said it would not condone any attempt to tarnish its reputation.
“BudgIT takes strong exception to the syndicated positions published in certain national dailies aimed at maligning our integrity.
“We are ready to provide any technical support Sokoto State may require to reignite the momentum established by its SFTAS successes.
“Our commitment is to work with all state governments to ensure that transparency reforms are sustained and citizens remain empowered.”