Stakeholders in Adamawa and Borno states have been urged to incorporate the needs of their communities into government budgets through active participation in the budgetary process. This was part of the issues discussed at a two-day engagement organised by Oxfam in collaboration with Crudan, YWYEF, with funding support from the EU and other stakeholders. The engagement, which drew stakeholders from three local governments in Adamawa and Taraba states, aimed to enhance social cohesion, support community development, and promote sustainable livelihoods.
The engagement was attended by stakeholders from Guyuk, Biu, and Kwaya Kusar local governments. Oxfam Country Director in Nigeria, Tijjani Ahmed Hamza, represented by project coordinator Mr. Samuel Lashon, urged stakeholders to cultivate the habit of participating in the budgeting process. He emphasised the importance of engaging the government to ensure that community needs and development priorities are reflected in the budget. This, he said, would enhance transparency and accountability in governance.
Hamza further explained that when government budgets reflect the needs and challenges of the people, it enables them to participate and monitor its implementation. This, he noted, is crucial for ensuring that government actions align with community needs. The engagement also highlighted the need for stakeholders to track budget spending and ensure that government actions translate into concrete outcomes.
Mrs. Ana Vinembres, Head of Programme Social and Economic Participation of Returnees, Internally Displaced Persons, and Host Communities in North East Nigeria (SEPIN SUSI), tasked stakeholders, especially local government councils, on the need to block leakages and improve revenue drive. She noted that this is essential for enabling local governments to execute meaningful projects that improve living conditions at the grassroots.
Vinembres also emphasised the need for stakeholders to ensure that the outcomes of such engagements are implemented by government and translate into concrete actions. She noted that this is crucial for ensuring that community needs are addressed and that government actions have a positive impact on the lives of citizens.
The Emir of Biu, Alh. Mustapha Umar Mustapha II, applauded the organisers for initiating the engagement, noting that it would strengthen transparency and accountability in governance. He assured his commitment to supporting the initiative and ensuring its success. The engagement is part of Oxfam's efforts to promote social cohesion, support community development, and enhance sustainable livelihoods in North-east Nigeria.
The two-day engagement was a collaborative effort between Oxfam, Crudan, YWYEF, and other stakeholders, with funding support from the EU. The event provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss ways to enhance social cohesion, support community development, and promote sustainable livelihoods in North-east Nigeria. Key issues discussed included the importance of community participation in budget planning and the need for transparency and accountability in governance.
Key points
- Oxfam urges North-east stakeholders to participate in budget planning to ensure community needs are reflected in government budgets.
- Engagement aims to enhance social cohesion, support community development, and promote sustainable livelihoods in North-east Nigeria.
- Stakeholders task local governments on blocking leakages and improving revenue drive to execute meaningful projects.
