Olatunde Task Citizens on Sustaining Voice in Kaduna Budget Accountability

By Uangbaoje Alex, Kaduna

Civil society actors and citizens must maintain a strong and continuous voice in demanding transparency and accountability in government spending, Simeon Olatunde, Coordinator of the Tax Justice and Governance Platform (TJ&GP), Kaduna State, has said.

Olatunde made the call at the opening of a two-day review of Kaduna State’s 2025 second quarter budget performance in the health, education, and agriculture sectors, supported by Christian Aid. 

He emphasized that sustained civic engagement is key to ensuring that governance translates into tangible benefits for ordinary citizens.

Highlighting the importance of understanding the state’s budget architecture, Olatunde noted that past sessions had equipped participants with knowledge of key policy frameworks, including the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (M-TEF) and the State Development Plan, which guide public finance and development planning.

“Today’s session is about identifying gaps, challenges, and opportunities within our working and learning groups, and determining how we can amplify the voices of those we represent,” Olatunde said.

He stressed that the budget analysis is not merely about tracking implementation but about developing evidence-based advocacy tools that strengthen civic oversight, promote inclusive taxation, and ensure responsible debt management for improved service delivery.

“Our duty is to be the voice of the voiceless, especially in hard-to-reach communities. Through collective advocacy and engagement with policymakers, we can ensure that the dividends of governance reach everyone,” he added.

The event gathered civil society organizations, researchers, media practitioners, and citizen groups across Kaduna State, all working to enhance transparency and civic participation in the budget process.

Sadiq Mustapha, Coordinator of the Tax Justice and Governance Platform (TJ&GP), speaking on behalf of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) Nigeria, lauded participants’ commitment to fiscal transparency and good governance. 

He noted that the collaboration between CISLAC and Christian Aid Nigeria is crucial for establishing a credible baseline for budget tracking and developing evidence-based advocacy tools that promote inclusive taxation, transparent budget processes, and improved service delivery.

“This two-day session is an opportunity for robust discussions and collaborative problem-solving. 

Your expertise and insights are invaluable in advancing our shared goals of fiscal justice and governance in Kaduna State,” Mustapha said.