BudgIT has urged States in the country to publish their expenditures on COVID-19 response.

A statement signed by its Communications Associate, Iyanu Fatoba, said the breakdown of COVID-19 expenditures will promote transparency and accountability in public space.

Fatoba on Tuesday decried States’ refusal to publish their COVID-19 expenditures, saying that it makes it impossible for Nigerians to track, monitor and ask relevant questions regarding spendings.

”It has become more expedient to monitor all donations and disbursements to ensure that funds are being spent effectively on COVID-19 response.

”In July 2020, we sent letters to Enugu, Niger, Kano and Ogun States, requesting detailed information on donations received by their state governments. These letters were received and acknowledged; however, no information was made available to the
public in this regard.

”Likewise, in December 2020, we wrote again to the Governors, Commissioners and Directors of Budget and Economic Planning in these focus states, including Lagos and Rivers States. These letters were also acknowledged; however, only Lagos and Niger States have responded.”

It listed Enugu, Kano, Ogun, and Rivers as states that have refused to publish details of their expenditures.

BudgIT added that, “To whom much is given, much is expected. These States owe citizens transparency and accountability as to how much COVID-19 funds were received and spent.”

It, therefore, called on Kano, Ogun, Enugu, and Rivers States to prioritise open data and publish details of all expenses

DailyPost