For many years, discussions around accountability in Nigeria focused almost entirely on the Federal Government. State governments, despite managing large public resources and delivering essential services that affect citizens’ lives, operated with limited public scrutiny. Budgets were hard to access, procurement information was often hidden, and financial reporting remained inconsistent. Today, however, clear signs show subnational governments are improving transparency and accountability, even if significant gaps remain.
This gradual shift did not happen by accident. It emerged through years of institutional reforms, civil society pressure, citizen engagement, and partnerships aimed at opening state finances to public scrutiny. Among the organisations leading this transformation is BudgIT, a civic-tech organisation that has spent over a decade helping citizens understand public finance and demand better governance across Nigeria’s 36 states.
At the state level, BudgIT’s work goes beyond criticism or scorecards. The organisation supports subnational governments to improve fiscal transparency, budgeting processes, and citizen engagement. Through technical assistance, policy engagement, budget analysis, and fiscal data dissemination, BudgIT has helped create systems that let citizens better understand how public resources are allocated and spent.
