Centre calls on Sokoto govt to partner CSOs for better public finance management

The Centre for Inclusive Social Development, (CISD), has called on the Sokoto state government to work with active civic society organisations to improve the public finance management process in the state.

It noted that CSOs are partners in strengthening government institutions and should be seen as such.

BudgIT, in its quarterly report on the States Fiscal Transparency League Table, recently ranked Sokoto as the state with the worst fiscal transparency and accountability in public finance management.

This ranking has elicited criticisms from some quarters.

In a statement yesterday, CSID Research Analyst, Temitope Odeyemi, noted that civic responsibility is vital in a democracy, enabling citizens to hold leaders accountable and ensuring that government actions reflect the people’s interests.

Odeyemi argued that states are not private enterprises and that dismissing accountability by claiming NGOs have no constitutional mandate undermines democracy. He added that governments exist to serve the public and must be held accountable to their citizens.

The statement, titled “How Dare You Ask Questions: The Crusade Against BudgIT and Civic Accountability,” read: “This accountability is not optional; it is a fundamental requirement of democracy. Transparency goes beyond satisfying state assemblies; it includes active engagement with the public. Budget documents are public documents; everyone, including the citizens and civil society organizations, should have access to them.

“Accusing the Sokoto State Government of fiscal opacity is not overreach; it reflects citizens’ rights to know how public resources are managed. BudgIT and like-minded CSOs are vehicles of citizen hope, aspiration, and collectivity, translating the yearnings of citizens into action.”

Odeyemi insisted that criticizing NGOs for exposing gaps does not address those gaps but rather perpetuates them.

According to him, an accountable government should not become defensive; instead, it should reflect on its performance to understand why it has fallen short of expectations and best practices.

He said, “These transparency standards were accepted by the states prior to the launch of BudgIT’s Transparency League during the implementation of the SFTAS program. Highlighting Sokoto’s fiscal challenges or achievements doesn’t excuse a lack of budget disclosure. Constructive civic engagement enhances governance rather than undermining it.

“The idea that BudgIT should alter its approach overlooks the need for citizens to demand high standards of fiscal responsibility. Instead of attempting to suppress NGOs, governments should embrace accountability and promote collaboration with civil society organizations (CSOs) to improve governance.

“This partnership benefits citizens with a more responsive government and allows administrations to stand out among peers by demonstrating their commitment to good governance.”

Odeyemi observed that by viewing governance challenges as opportunities for collaboration, citizens, CSOs, and the government can achieve a mutually beneficial outcome.

He stressed that suppressing civic discourse threatens democracy, as a vibrant civic space is vital for accountability and power checks.

Odeyemi stated that constructive criticism drives transformative change while silencing NGOs highlighting government failures is detrimental and obstructs reform.

“Focusing on solutions rather than censorship is essential. Ultimately, an inclusive and functional government benefits all, whereas a dysfunctional one fails to serve anyone. BudgIT’s work embodies the essence of civic consciousness, calling for transparency and accountability—fundamental principles of good governance,” he added.