Foundation Submits ‘Citizens’ Charter’, Demands Financial Transparency Ahead Of FCT Area Council Polls

Ahead of the FCT Area Council Elections slated for February 21, the Statecraft Foundation for Development Outcome and Inclusion has submitted a Citizens’ Charter of Demands to the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), political parties, and candidates, calling for greater financial transparency, accountability, and administrative efficiency across the six Area Councils of the Federal Capital Territory.

The submission, made during the Foundation’s Day of Action on Local Government Autonomy and Efficiency held in Abuja on Tuesday, formed part of its Local Autonomy in FCT Area Councils (LAFAC) project. The Charter encapsulates citizens’ priorities and lived experiences, urging both administrative and political stakeholders to commit to practical reforms that strengthen grassroots governance and improve public service delivery.

Speaking during the walk from the Federal Ministry of Finance headquarters to the FCDA, Emmanuel Oniabo, Executive Director of the Statecraft Foundation, said the Charter was developed to serve as “a constructive governance tool rather than a protest document.”

“Our focus is on dialogue, reform, and measurable outcomes,” Oniabo told journalists. “We are calling for a collective effort from both administrators and political actors to ensure that Area Councils live up to their mandate as the closest government tier to the people.”

The Charter outlines several key demands, including active engagement of residents and stakeholders in budget formulation and implementation, public disclosure of budgets, allocations, expenditures, and Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), completion of outstanding community development projects, and strengthening of primary healthcare and basic education services across Area Councils.

Oniabo explained that the simultaneous submission of the Charter to both governance authorities and political stakeholders was deliberate, highlighting the need for shared accountability.

“Sustainable improvements in local governance require not only administrative action but also political commitment,” he noted. “As political parties and candidates campaign ahead of the 2026 elections, they must prioritise transparent, efficient, and citizen-centered governance.”

The Foundation emphasised that Area Councils play a vital role in delivering essential services such as primary healthcare, basic education, sanitation, and community infrastructure. However, persistent gaps in transparency, efficiency, and citizen engagement have continued to undermine their impact.

Calling for proactive collaboration, Oniabo reaffirmed the Foundation’s dedication to peaceful advocacy and constructive engagement.

“We are committed to working with public institutions and political leaders to build more accountable, responsive, and inclusive local governance across the FCT,” he added.

The Foundation urged the FCTA and all political stakeholders to adopt the Charter’s recommendations and translate them into concrete policies that directly improve the lives of residents across the Federal Capital Territory.