1. The House of Representatives commends BudgIT on the launch of the Tracka 2023/2024 Project Tracking Report, an initiative that upholds the principles of transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement in governance.
2. Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the entire 10th Assembly remain committed to fostering open governance and promoting citizen participation in legislative processes.
3. On behalf of the House of Representatives, I commend BudgIT and the Tracka team for theirw unwavering commitment to ensuring that government projects go beyond budgetary figures to become tangible interventions that positively impact the lives of Nigerians.
4. The insights presented in this report are invaluable, providing a data-driven foundation for assessing the efficiency of service delivery and the impact of public projects. The statistics shared – tracking over 1,400 projects across 25 states, with a total allocation of ₦282 billion – underscore the importance of civic oversight in promoting government accountability.
5. In the 10th National Assembly, we recognize the significance of collaborative governance, where citizens, civil society, and the private sector play active roles in complementing legislative oversight. Platforms like Tracka serve as crucial tools in bridging the gap between policy intent and real-life impact.
6. This initiative aligns with our Open Governance objectives under our Legislative Agenda, which prioritizes transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance. As representatives of the people, we welcome initiatives that enhance public participation and strengthen institutional accountability.
7. However, while oversight and advocacy are crucial, civil society organizations must embrace a collaborative approach in engaging with the parliament. The adversarial dynamics that sometimes characterize interactions between CSOs and government institutions can be counterproductive. We encourage constructive engagement that fosters mutual respect and shared responsibility in driving national development.
8. The theme of the report, “Achieving National Development through Efficient Service Delivery,” resonates deeply with the legislative priorities of the House. Through our various committees, we remain committed to strengthening the budget process, ensuring project execution aligns with appropriated funds, and holding implementing agencies accountable.
9. As we receive the findings andw recommendations from this report, I assure you that the House will continue to welcome evidence-based advocacy that enhances governance. We urge Tracka and other civic tech organizations to sustain this effort, as their work contributes immensely to fostering a more transparent and accountable Nigeria.
10. Once again, congratulations to BudgIT Nigeria on this remarkable achievement. We look forward to leveraging the insights from this report to drive more impactful governance outcomes for our people.
Thank you.
Rep. Akin Rotimi, Jr.
House Spokesman
