Nigeria’s leading civic tech-based organisation, BudgIT has launched an Open Nigerian States data portal aimed at ramping up data sharing by state governments for unrestricted accessibility by citizens.

The portal, according to BudgIT was developed under the Rule of Law and Anti-corruption (RoLAC) programme and funded by the European Union (EU).

This milestone achievement by the organisation has been adopted by the British Council in five states, namely; Adamawa, Anambra, Edo, Kano and Lagos.

According to Gabriel Okeowo, Principal Lead, BudgIT, in a press release obtained by Kristina Reports, the organisation is ready to work with the state governments who are yet to enlist their states on the portal adding that it will aid states to achieve transparent fiscal system.

“BudgIT is ready to partner and work with state governments alongside the citizens to achieve a transparent fiscal system. This will be achieved by supporting the state governments to enlist their states on this National Open States web portal where states’ financial documents will be published for increased access and citizens’ participation in governance,” Gabriel stated.

The portal has given the citizens the opportunity to checkmate state government’s spending of public funds on projects in pursuance of the enactment of the country’s Freedom of Information Act.

BudgIT, therefore called on respective states to be bold and deliberate in their commitment to an open and inclusive government that encourages increased citizens’ confidence in government and fosters economic development at the subnational level.