Kaduna State on Wednesday presented the Citizen’s Accountability Report (CAR) on the implementation of the 2021 budget.
The report was presented during the citizens engagement session organised by the state Ministry of Finance in collaboration with the Open Government Partnership, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and other stakeholders.
The exercise aimed at strengthening transparency, accountability and inclusiveness in governance.
The Commissioner for Finance, Muhammad Bashir-Saidu said that the engagement would increase openness and encourage citizens’ engagement in budget process, promote fiscal transparency and accountability.
Represented by Muhammad Shuaibu, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, the Commissioner said the meeting would inform and educate the citizens on how appropriated funds for the 2021 budget had been utilised.
“It is our responsibility to inform you on how the appropriated funds utilised, you are free to critique, ask questions and seek for clarity on the budget.
“The CAR is a simplified document of the 2021 budget process and implementation which is readable to every citizens unlike when it was a bulky document,” he said.
He said the budget implementation had recorded successes where capital expenditure performed well with 98.9 per cent of budgeted amount.
In his remarks, Mr Yusuf Goje of the Coalition of Associations for Leadership, Peace, Empowerment and Development (COLPED), said the report provided information on government’s performance in carrying out its duties and the utilisation of funds.
He said the presentation of the document signified that government had fulfilled one of the citizens demand by giving them a feedback on the budget and its implemented.
The engagement of citizens, he said, would availed them opportunity to take ownership of government projects and policies thereby strengthening trust between the government and the governed.
Also speaking, Mr Aminu Sambo, Deputy Accountant-General in the state, said the CAR would enable the people to be part of government accountability as well as highlighting how public funds has been spent, types of projects and the achievements made.
For her part, Hadiza Umar, Citizens Co-chair, Open Government Partnership, said the report showed that Kaduna State Government is “an open government working with the citizens in budget process and implementation.”
