The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) have launched a pilot initiative to promote transparency and accountability in local government administration through digital platforms.
The initiative, flagged off in Nasarawa State, is designed to provide citizens with access to information on local government allocations, budgets, expenditure, procurement processes, projects and service delivery.
The project, themed “Deepening Transparency and Accountability at the Grassroots Through Digital Disclosure,” is expected to be extended to all 774 local government areas across the country.
Speaking at the launch, Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, said his administration was committed to promoting openness and accountability in public governance.
Sule declared that local government financial activities would no longer be shrouded in secrecy, assuring residents that information on funds received by councils, the dates of receipt and how the resources were spent would be made publicly available.
He said transparency went beyond publishing government records, explaining that citizens must be empowered to monitor public projects, access information and participate actively in decisions affecting their communities.
The Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, described the initiative as a major step towards using technology to strengthen governance and improve service delivery at the grassroots.
According to the Director of Corporate Communications and Media Relations, Mrs. Hadiza Umar, on Thursday, Inuwa said the project was not merely about creating websites but establishing digitally empowered local governments that would be more transparent, accountable and responsive to citizens.
He explained that the initiative would also create economic opportunities for local technology professionals responsible for developing, managing and sustaining the digital platforms.
According to him, NITDA's broader objective is to support the digital transformation of all 774 local governments to improve public services and strengthen engagement between government and citizens.
Also speaking, ICPC Chairman, Dr Musa Adamu Aliyu, said the initiative was particularly important as Nigeria advances local government autonomy.
He stressed that financial independence at the grassroots must be accompanied by transparency and accountability to prevent corruption and promote responsible administration.
Aliyu said the platforms would enable citizens to monitor public expenditure, track development projects, access important government information and engage constructively with their local councils.
He added that transparency should not be regarded as a punitive measure but as an instrument for building public confidence, improving service delivery and strengthening governance.
The collaboration between NITDA, ICPC and the Nasarawa State Government is expected to establish a framework for nationwide digital disclosure across local government councils.
Nasarawa State, as the pilot location, is expected to provide a model for the deployment of standardised digital platforms across the country's 774 local government areas.
The initiative is aimed at strengthening public oversight, improving access to government information and ensuring that citizens can monitor how public resources are deployed to meet development needs in their communities.