Officials commented on the matter. This lack of transparency has been a fertile ground for corruption, siphoning over US$550 billion from the nation’s coffers since 1960.
As the 2026 Appropriation Act, totaling ₦68.
32 trillion, comes under scrutiny, the call for an online public monitoring system to combat corruption grows louder.
The Nigerian Budget Office of the Federation’s citizen portal, intended to provide budgetary information, is often offline or presents data that is overly technical and hard for the average citizen to comprehend. This lack of accessibility disrupts the social contract between the government and its citizens, enabling widespread corruption and hindering economic development.
In 2023, Nigeria’s performance in public participation and transparency was lackluster, ranking 92nd out of 125 countries.
The proposed solution lies in an integrated, real — time online public monitoring system, which could hold government officials accountable and reduce financial diversion.
The 2026 Appropriation Act has faced criticism for a significant portion allocated to debt servicing, diverting funds away from essential sectors like education, health, and security.
Critics argue that this allocation does not align with the country’s developmental priorities. Economist Tolu Olarewaju advocates for the adoption of digital infrastructure to transition from ‘opaque elite control’to inclusive value creation.
He suggests the implementation of real — time online systems and the leveraging of technologies like blockchain and ERP to enhance transparency.
However, the proposed system has not been without its challenges.
The government’s decision to extend the deadline for the 2025 Budget’s capital component indicates a struggle in ensuring ongoing projects are completed without interruption. What remains unclear is the specific measures being taken by the Nigerian government to improve budget transparency and implement the proposed online public monitoring system.
Citizens and observers are eager to see how the 2026 Appropriation Act’s spending will be tracked or monitored.
The implementation of such a system is not without its complexities. It requires a robust digital infrastructure and a culture of openness within the government.
The proposed system must also be user — friendly to encourage widespread citizen engagement.
As Nigeria grapples with its budgetary challenges, the success of the online public monitoring system could be a turning point in the fight against corruption and the promotion of transparency.
The outcome will not only impact the Nigerian economy but also serve as a precedent for other African countries facing similar issues.
The quest for accountability in Nigeria’s budgetary process is a critical step towards a more transparent and efficient government.
As the country moves forward, the eyes of the nation and the continent will be on the progress made in this crucial area.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: Tolu Olarewaju
