By Charles Ebi
BudgIT, a civic technology organisation, has addressed recent media reports misrepresenting its findings on Sokoto State’s fiscal transparency and budgetary practices.
In a statement made available to our Correspondent, the organisation emphasised the importance of accurate reporting, reaffirming that its analysis was not an attack on Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s administration but a call for improved proactive financial disclosures.
The assessment, part of BudgIT’s State Fiscal Transparency League ,SFTL, Report, evaluates state governments’ adherence to transparency principles.
The report builds on the methodology of the World Bank’s State Fiscal Transparency, Accountability, and Sustainability ,SFTAS, Programme. This framework measures timeliness, accessibility, and the comprehensive fiscal data published on public platforms.
In its Q3 2024 findings, BudgIT ranked Sokoto State 36th out of Nigeria’s 36 states for fiscal transparency. While the state excelled in areas such as the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework ,MTEF, and Approved Budget disclosures, significant gaps were identified in revenue reporting, audit transparency, and the functionality of its e-procurement portal.
“These gaps hinder citizens and businesses from accessing critical data that impacts their lives and economic decisions. The non-availability of such information undermines the government’s responsibility to uphold its social contract with the people,” the report stated.
Despite the current challenges, BudgIT acknowledged Sokoto State’s past successes under the SFTAS Program. Between 2019 and 2020, the state earned three World Bank Awards of Excellence for its fiscal governance and received $22m in grants. However, the organization cautioned against relying on past achievements, emphasizing the need for sustained reforms.
Responding to claims that Sokoto lacks the resources and technical capacity to maintain a digital infrastructure for transparency, BudgIT dismissed the assertion as baseless.
BudgIT’s Country Director, Gabriel Okeowo stressed that transparency transcends legal requirements and is fundamental to good governance.
“Transparency validates governance and builds lasting trust. The Aliyu administration has a unique opportunity to lead a transformative agenda by adopting robust transparency practices”, Okeowo said.
BudgIT also countered allegations that its report ignored Governor Aliyu’s fiscal prudence and strategic project execution. The organization highlighted Sokoto’s ranking in its 2024 State of States Report, which placed the state 23rd in fiscal performance and 20th in prioritizing capital expenditure.
“Our findings are objective, non-partisan, and designed to encourage governments to adopt practices that enhance public participation and proactive disclosure”, Okeowo added.
BudgIT reaffirmed its readiness to support Sokoto State in rekindling the momentum established by its SFTAS successes.
“The SFTAS Program proved that transparency is achievable with political will, adequate resources, and a commitment to reform. Sokoto State has shown it can lead in the past, and we believe it can rise to the occasion once more”, Okeowo said.
BudgIT urged Sokoto and other states to prioritize fiscal transparency as a cornerstone of good governance, ensuring citizens have access to vital financial information.
