CSOs Task FG, States On Policy Implementation, Accountability

A coalition of civil society organisations, CSOs, has harped on the need to ensure that public administrators are accountable in the implementation of their policies in order to advance the common good and effect positive change in the country.

The CSOs are BudgIT Foundation, Connected Development (CODE), Dataphyte, Agora Policy, the Paradigm Leadership Support Initiative (PLSI), Accountability Lab Nigeria, Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC), Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), Step Up Nigeria, and Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID).

At the accountability summit they organised in Abuja yesterday with the theme, “Institutionalising Accountability for Effective Public Administration in Nigeria”, the director at PLSI, Olusegun Elemo, stated that “Nigerians elected the 7th consecutive civilian government in February 2023 and all national and subnational governments have begun implementing policies targeting different sectors of the nation‘s national life.”

Elemo said some of these policies are causing untold hardship to citizens with many now looking for when the benefits of these policies will start to materialise.

“Therefore, it is important to make sure that policy actors are held accountable to ensure objectives of their policies are achieved to improve citizens’ welfare” he said.

More so, the communique issued at the summit recommended strengthening regulators and oversight bodies by providing necessary resources, authority, and autonomy for effective monitoring and enforcement.

It also called for enhancing their oversight capabilities to ensure efficient functioning.

The communique called for merit-based criteria for appointments and promotions within governmental bodies.

It said this fosters trust by ensuring qualified individuals hold positions, promoting competence in public administration.

The communique reads in part, „There is a need to develop action plans to improve the justice system‘s capacity, including court efficiency, legal procedures, and timely dispute resolution. Strengthening the legal framework is crucial for accountability in public administration.

„Digitise government processes to enhance accessibility and transparency. Utilize technology for citizen engagement, feedback gathering, and communication, fostering responsiveness and reinforcing the governance structure.

„Enable citizens to exercise their constitutional right to recall non-performing legislators. This mechanism ensures elected representatives remain accountable, promoting better governance and responsiveness.

„Create sound policies addressing specific challenges, focusing on transparent tax classifications, and removing small, burdensome taxes. Establish a clear threshold for taxpayers to enhance fiscal transparency.

„Conduct adequate analysis of governance activities and communicate findings to citizens. Transparency in government actions strengthens accountability and builds trust with the public.”