SPEAK OUT AFRICA UNVEILS “I WATCH THE BUDGET” URGES GOVERNMENT TO ESTABLISH TEAM FOR EFFICIENT BUDGET IMPLEMENTATION

A prominent Civil Society Organization on accountability and good governance, Speak Out Africa Initiative (SOAI) has urged President Bola Tinubu to establish a team of experts for swift and impactful implementation of 2024 budget and beyond.

The Lead Director of the group, Mr Kenneth Eze made the charge thursday in Abuja at the media briefing and unveiling of “I watch the budget” a rapid budget implementation platform established by SOAI to monitor and accelerate prompt release of funds and execution of budget across the country.

He pointed out that the establishment of the team of non government serving experts which will work with the special adviser on policy coordination will facilitate prompt release of funds to ministeries, departments and agencies, contract awards, procurement and execution of the specifications of the budget to at least 75% performance that will save the country from imminent collapse posed by the present economic challenges.

Extolling the capital content and the quick passage of 2024 budget, he advised that this administration should watch against poor budget implementation and performance procedures that have persisted over the years hindering the effective implementation of fiscal and social economic development.

He maintained that the rapid budget implementation team will enhance unbiase oversight, early funds release for timely execution, presidential open budget performance briefing, citizen participation, transparency and accountability, state-level initiatives and impact on vulnerable population.

He further tasked states on establishment of similar independent rapid budget implementation teams pledging that his organization will actively engage with the states to offer support and expertize in the establishment and maintenance of the teams for a better service delivery to the masses.