BudgIT, a prominent civic-tech organization dedicated to promoting transparency, accountability, and efficient service delivery in Nigeria, has raised concerns about the country’s performance in the 2023 Open Budget Survey (OBS) conducted by the International Budget Partnership (IBP).
Nigeria scored below the global average of 45 (out of 100) in the Open Budget Index, ranking lower than countries like Cameroon, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Sierra Leone, and Benin.
The Open Budget Survey is the only independent and regular assessment of transparency, oversight, and participation in national budgets worldwide.
It helps local civil society organizations and the public evaluate government reporting on public funds to ensure they are used for the benefit of the public.
The 2023 survey evaluated 125 countries, representing 95% of the world’s population, with budgets totaling over $33.5 trillion in spending for the 2022 Fiscal Year.
Despite a 24% increase in global transparency, Nigeria scored 31 (out of 100) in transparency, 19 (out of 100) in public participation, and 61 (out of 100) in institutional oversight in the 2023 survey, resulting in an overall rank of 92 out of 125 countries.
In comparison, Nigeria’s performance in the 2021 OBS showed more promising scores of 45 (out of 100) in transparency, 26 (out of 100) in public participation, and 61 (out of 100) in institutional oversight.
Nigeria’s disappointing performance is mainly attributed to the government’s failure to promptly publish In-Year Reports and Mid-Year Reviews online and adopt innovative public participation practices.
BudgIT recommends that legislative committees thoroughly examine the Executive Budget Proposal, In-year Budget Implementation, and Audit Report and publicly publish their findings to enhance transparency.
To improve budget transparency, BudgIT suggests that the Nigerian government promptly publishes fiscal documents, releases quarterly reports within three months post-period, publishes monthly fiscal accounts on the Open Treasury Portal in a timely manner, and presents annual budgets in machine-readable formats.
To increase public participation in Nigeria’s budget process, the Budget Office should expand engagement mechanisms during budget implementation, promote the EyeMark app for citizen feedback on projects, and actively involve vulnerable communities.
The National Assembly should allow public and civil society testimonies during budget and Audit Report hearings, while the Auditor-General’s office should create formal avenues for public contributions to audit programs and investigations.
Olayinka Babalola, Nigeria’s Country Manager of International Budget Partnership, emphasized the importance of the Open Budget Survey in fostering discussions among citizens, government, civil society organizations, and stakeholders on improving public finance systems to address the needs of all, especially the marginalized and vulnerable.
He urged everyone to engage with the report and advocate for equitable, open, and transparent management of public finances in Nigeria.
Gabriel Okeowo, BudgIT’s Country Director, stressed the urgency of the situation, calling for immediate action to revive fiscal transparency in Nigeria.
He highlighted the need for better transparency, enhanced mechanisms for public participation, oversight functions by the Supreme Audit Institution and the Legislature, and timely publication of detailed budget documents, especially Audit Reports.
The 2023 Open Budget Survey underscores the critical need for accountable and inclusive public budgeting. BudgIT urges the Nigerian government to promptly publish fiscal documents and engage citizens in the budget process to enhance fiscal transparency and accountability.
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