Budget Transparency: DRDI Calls for Citizen Participation in Jigawa

The Dispute Resolution and Development Initiative (DRDI) is urging greater citizen participation in local government budgeting in Jigawa State, Nigeria, to boost transparency, accountability, and service delivery. Dr. Muhammad Mustapha Yahaya, DRDI’s Executive Director, bases this appeal on a recent survey titled “Citizen Response on Participation in Local Government Budget Processes and the Impact on Service Delivery in Six LGAs in Jigawa State.” The study examined six local government areas—Mallam Madori, Hadejia, Birnin Kudu, Ringim, Kiyawa, and Gagarawa—evaluating how residents engage in budget formulation, the challenges they encounter, and the effects on governance and service outcomes.

Findings show that, although citizens do take part in budget preparation, significant gaps remain in technical understanding, inclusiveness, and access to information. To bridge these gaps, Dr. Yahaya recommends raising awareness through workshops, seminars, and simplified budget documents translated into local languages. He also suggests using community‑based communication channels—local media, social platforms, and town‑hall meetings—to disseminate budget information.

Inclusive participation is essential, and Dr. Yahaya stresses the need to ensure representation of marginalized groups in budget consultations. He proposes regular capacity‑building initiatives on budget literacy and participation, coordinated by civic groups or coalitions to mobilize grassroots involvement. Transparency at the community level should be enhanced by making budget reports readily available to all stakeholders and fostering open dialogue about budget choices and their implications.

Furthermore, Dr. Yahaya advocates for co‑creation initiatives that allow citizens to jointly set budget priorities with local stakeholders through participatory budgeting practices. He calls for effective feedback mechanisms, such as citizen‑led monitoring and evaluation platforms, to track budget implementation and service outcomes.

DRDI’s call for increased citizen participation aims to promote transparent, accountable, and effective governance in Jigawa State. By addressing the identified challenges and adopting these recommendations, the state can move toward more inclusive and responsive governance, ultimately benefiting its citizens. The initiative underscores the importance of citizen engagement in budgeting, which can lead to better resource allocation and improved service delivery.