The Department for International Development (DFID) has unveiled a web-based Public Budgeting Application.
While collaborating with Partnership to Engage, Reform and Learn (PERL), the department Launched the app to ensure timely and transparent process.
Mr Ifeanyi Ugwuoke, PERL-ARC National Programme Manager, who said this during the virtual inauguration, noted that the App was designed to facilitate the management of Federal, State and Local Governments budget processes.
Ugwuoke described the App as a web-based application with mobile versions designed for budget process management and documentation.
He said that the App was specifically designed to facilitate the management of the budget process using a digitalised budget calendar, to promote timeliness and transparency in the various stages of the budget cycle.
He noted that the App would help government officials to manage their budget calendars, facilitate improved stakeholders’ engagement and promote effective documentation of budget activities and outputs.
He also said that the tool would enhance citizens’ participation in the budget process and increase access to budget information and documents.
According to him, the objective is to strengthen access to key resources available to partners, especially those who work in the budgeting process in the federal, state and local government areas.
“It is user-friendly and will ensure that the budgeting process is timely, realistic as well as enhances efficiency and effectiveness in service delivery.
“We will continue to work with our partners in making sure that the Nigerian Governor’s Forum (NGF) and other key government agencies take ownership and institutionalise the tool.
“Our expectation at the end of the day is for users to cherish it and use it as our contributions to ensure a strengthened, effective and efficient PFM system in the country.”
Also speaking, PERL Senior Responsible Owner, Mr Chris Okeke, explained that PERL was among several DFID programmes supporting government, partners and civil society organisations to strengthen governance systems in the country.
Okeke said that PERL was helping Nigerian partners particularly at the sub-national level, to improve governance systems and bring government and citizens together for a more collaborative decision-making process.
“We are strengthening government processes to improve the quality of basic services in health, education, planning and budgeting as well as ensuring transparency and accountability.
“The App is particularly timely because it will enable partners and citizens access key PFM resources throughout COVID-19 period.
“We expect to see the government taking ownership of the App, while the citizens and civil society, as well as other partners use the tool in demanding for accountability in the use of national resources.
“This, we believe, will help to institutionalise some of the reforms around transparency and accountability in the use of government resources,” he said.
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