BudgIT has called for enhanced collaboration with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to improve monitoring of capital budget implementation at both federal and state levels.
EFCC revealed on its X page on Monday that the call was made during a courtesy visit to its corporate headquarters in Abuja by top officials of the civic technology organisation.
The delegation was led by Yahyala Kwaga, Group Head of Research and Policy Advisory, Open Government Partnership and Institutional Partnership (OGIP).
Kwaga highlighted the need for improved communication and reporting mechanisms that would aid the EFCC in investigating discrepancies in capital project execution.
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“We would like to enhance the reporting and escalation channels for capital projects, especially through clear, direct, and anonymous platforms. These improvements will support your investigative departments and strengthen transparency,” he said.
He stressed the importance of multi-stakeholder engagement and community-level participation in tracking capital projects, noting that several state officials had raised concerns about mismatches in federal lawmakers’ constituency projects.
“There is work that the EFCC can do in this regard,” Kwaga noted.
BudgIT also expressed its readiness to contribute expertise in evidence-based policymaking and support for legislative oversight. Kwaga proposed formalising the partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which he said would define roles and expectations and foster structured collaboration.
“We already have a working relationship with the EFCC. Formalising it would be a significant milestone and help drive joint monitoring missions, data sharing, public awareness campaigns, and capacity building,” he added.
In response, EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede welcomed the continued partnership with BudgIT and reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to ensuring effective oversight of budget execution.
He underscored the urgent need to ensure proper use of limited public funds, stating: “If we can achieve even 50 per cent implementation of capital projects annually, Nigeria would be in a far better place. Capital budget implementation is critical, especially in these austere times. Every naira must be accounted for and deliver value.”
