Groups partner to track Edo projects

A transparency advocacy group, BudgIT Nigeria, has partnered Omidyar Network to track capital projects listed in this year’s budget of the Edo State Government.

The group said it would use its “Tracka project” to ensure transparency in the state’s projects.

The partnership, according to BudgIT’s Lead Partner, Oluseun Onigbinde, will focus on 24 communities, where the capital projects are located.

He said the partnership would have community tracking teams.

The company’s lead partner said “Tracka” would work with stakeholders in the community and civil society organisations (CSOs) as partners.

BudgIT is working with Kaduna and Edo state governments to ensure transparency in their projects.

Onigbinde, in a statement in Abuja, said “Tracka” would enable the residents to own and track capital projects in their communities.

He said: “Considering the challenge of transparency in the country, the most effective method to reach the masses is through the implementation of capital projects. Lots of funds are allocated as capital expenditure; yet, some projects are left undone. The plan is to follow up with the communities/beneficiaries and facilitators of the project.

“The project will ensure feedback to citizens, using social media and also contact parliamentary, executive bodies and key institutions to close the feedback loop and aggregate feedback and build actionable intelligence for and from the institutions.

“As Nigerians, it is important that we ensure transparency and accountability regarding the use of funds.”

Groups partner to track Edo projects