SDGs Stories
Citizens and Stakeholders Push for Participatory Budgeting to Strengthen Local Governance in FCT
In a bid to deepen open governance practices at the grassroots, the DEAN Initiative convened a one-day Citizens’ Open Dialogue on Participatory Budgeting and Planning (PBP) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The event, which brought together key stakeholders from Kwali, AMAC, and Gwagwalada Area Councils, focused on fostering inclusive governance and reinforcing the co-creation principles of the Open Government Partnership-Local (OGP-Local) framework.
Held under the theme “Let’s Talk Participatory Budgeting and Planning for a Better OGP-Local,” the dialogue served as a platform for exchanging ideas, identifying challenges, and charting a sustainable path toward more citizen-driven governance processes.
Building Accountability from the Ground Up
Participatory Budgeting and Planning is a growing global best practice that allows citizens to play a direct role in deciding how public funds are allocated and spent. At the dialogue, speakers emphasized that the initiative has the potential to strengthen transparency, foster trust between citizens and local governments, and improve service delivery outcomes.
The event featured representatives from civil society organizations, elected officials, and members of the local OGP-Local Steering Committees, who participated in frank discussions on how to institutionalize PBP in Nigeria’s local governance systems.
“Participatory budgeting is not just a reform it is a democratic right. It empowers citizens to shape the future of their communities,” said Mr. Semiye Michael, Executive Director of the DEAN Initiative.
Challenges Slowing Progress
Despite the promise of PBP, several structural and political obstacles were identified. Chief among them is the disruption of budget processes during government transitions, which often leads to abandoned plans and a lack of continuity. Participants also cited:
- Tensions between civil servants and political leaders over budget priorities and methods;
- Limited financial and human resources at the local government level;
- Resistance to transparency, with some officials still viewing budgeting as a closed, elite process;
- Institutional inertia, where long-standing bureaucratic habits resist reform.
These issues, stakeholders noted, must be addressed through targeted capacity building, policy reform, and stronger political will.
Opportunities for Reform and Growth
Despite the challenges, there was a strong consensus that PBP offers significant opportunities for improving governance outcomes. By giving citizens a platform to propose and evaluate public projects, PBP encourages inclusiveness, strengthens accountability, and aligns public spending with real community needs.
“PBP builds a culture of civic engagement. It ensures that budgets reflect not just politics, but the lived experiences of citizens,” said Hajiya Suwaiba, Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria.
The event also highlighted success stories from other local government areas and called for governments at all levels to adopt PBP as a strategic tool for inclusive governance.
A Call for Sustained Commitment
Among the notable attendees was Hon. Muhammed Saba, Council Secretary of Gwagwalada Area Council, who lauded the initiative for bridging the gap between government and the governed. In a symbolic gesture, he shared an appreciative hug with Mr. Semiye Michael—an image that underscored the power of citizen-government collaboration.
Participants concluded the dialogue by calling for the institutionalization of PBP within local planning processes, backed by enabling policies, sustained funding, and regular citizen engagement. They also emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum through continuous dialogue and cross-sector partnerships.
The Road Ahead
As the OGP-Local movement gains traction in Nigeria, initiatives like this demonstrate the potential of participatory governance to transform not just local councils, but the very fabric of democratic development. With the right support, political will, and active citizenry, Participatory Budgeting and Planning can serve as a cornerstone of inclusive, transparent, and accountable governance.
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