The head of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms raised concerns about the lack of budget documentation for Nigeria’s local governments. While addressing the Revenue Assurance Summit, he disclosed the challenges faced in obtaining financial records for the 774 local governments. He highlighted the significant role local governments play in areas like agriculture and public welfare but expressed disappointment in their failure to fulfill their duties effectively. Emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability, he stressed the importance of local governments developing long-term plans to guide their activities. Drawing inspiration from South Africa’s accessible municipal financial information, he advocated for data sharing to enhance revenue generation. Additionally, he condemned the practice of charging for access to government data and announced plans to introduce legislation prohibiting data withholding by government agencies. The committee is also working on protocols to ensure data security and timely sharing among agencies.
Oyedele faults lack of LG budgets
