Accountability Assessment

HUMAN ACCOUNTABILITY DEVELOPMENT ASSESSMENT INITIATIVES ISSN 1119-9113 Vol.1, Jan. Edition

HDI COMMENCES LG BUDGET The project is running in Six Geopolitical Zones WATCH PROJECT namely: With a population of about 167million, Nigeria is the a. North Central - Abuja (Gwagwalada LGA most populous country in Africa. While Nigeria is one of b. North West - Kwara State (Ilorin West and the richest countries in terms of human, material and Ilorin East natural resources, it is paradoxically one of the poorest in c. South East - Enugu State (Nsukka and the world with at least 70 percent of the population in Nkannu West LGAs) poverty. This high level of poverty despite the country's d. South West - Lagos State (Mainland and immense resources has been severally attributed to many Eti Osa LGAs) years of military dictatorship and instability in e. South-South - Delta State (Warri South government, large scale corruption, poor macro-economic and Uvwie North LGAs) management and inadequate infrastructure amongst other Edo State ( Egor LGA and factors, extenuated by lack of openness and transparency in Oredo LGA) the machinery of government particularly in the budgetary processes. Thus, there is dire need for improvement in The project has 6 major facets which include: budget transparency and accountability and the need for a. Establishment of 12 LGA Budget Watch Groups in appropriate disclosure of the use of public resources to the the six (6) geopolitical zones of the country citizenry. comprising stakeholders to promote transparency In light of this, HDI initiated with support of Ford and accountability at the LG l e v e l b y Foundation the Local Government Budget Watch project. dialogue and information sharing on accountability and LG performance; The strategic position of local governments is primarily to b. Designation of a Budget Watch Desk with focus in deliver social services to the people at the local level. However this has not been the case in Nigeria due to a LGAs as credible source of feedback mechanism to myriad of problems which include but not limited to misuse citizens on LG priorities, citizen priorities, LG of public funds, endemic corruption at all level of capacities, budget and priority projects and LG governance, diversion of statutory allocated funds to local performance rating; government, culture of secrecy and silence, citizens apathy c. Capacity building for selected LG officials on to governance, poverty and underdevelopment. The HDI- record keeping LGA Budget Watch Project aims at tackling citizens apathy d. Media collaboration and participation as avenues to governance most especially at the local level by for public education, information and sensitizing citizens to engage with leadership and entertainment stakeholders for improved transparency and accountability e. Information dissemination and dialogue through the by interrogating the budget and budgetary process while at HDI social media platform and the LGA Budget the same time creating a platform for interaction and Watch website; and feedback on governance at the local level. f. Monitoring and Evaluation.

A NEWSLETTER OF HDI-LG BUDGET WATCH PROJECT Sponsored by Ford Foundation BUDGET WATCH GROUPS SOCIAL NETWORK SITE Participants drawn from the capacity building seminars A social media platform was launched on the web. across the six geopolitical zones formed the corp of budget Http://www.hdinigeria.org/lgabudgetwatch watch groups. The group consists of Local Government using the Ushahidi platform to serve as platform officials, Community leaders, Community Development and barometer for citizen feedback on the project in Associations and students. The role of the watch group particular and local government governance includes amongst others to deliberate on: challenges in general. The platform enables the Citizen's priority projects with the LGA project to get information from within and outside  Determine expenditure of its projects. project locations. Information can be share on the  Consult on how to assist government at LG platform by the use of mobile phone levels 08069518000. Also a facebook page Advocate on citizen representation/ www.facebook.com/hidnigeria.com was Participation created to share comments on local government affairs. Watch groups have started meeting in all z o n e s except Delta and Abuja.

HDI LGA BUDGET WATCH MANUAL In order to keep to its promise of disseminating accurate information, HDI launched a Budget Watch Manual towards the last quarter of 2011. The contents of the manual is both informative and educative. It will help to sensitize the populace on what to do in order to monitor Local Government Budgets effectively. Copies of this manual are available in our corporate Headquarters at No. 2, Iwaya Road, Onike , Yaba, Lagos. Do you know that your LG Chairman want to hear your view on his performance

CONTACT HDI BUDGET WATCH DESK IN YOUR LOCALITY Visit: www.hdinigeria.org, www.facebook.com/hdinigeria, www.hdinigeria.org/lgabudjetwatch, www.twitter.com/hdinigeria E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] Call: 08069518000 Human Development Initiatives 08080551376 “...Initiatives make life better” HUMAN ACCOUNTABILITY DEVELOPMENT ASSESSMENT INITIATIVES ISSN 1119-9113 Vol. 2, Feb. Edition

CAPACITY BUILDING SEMINARS apacity Building seminars aimed at encouraging Good governance, Transparency, Accountability Cand Citizen participation especially at the Local Government(LG) level which is the closest to the people through monitoring Local Government Budget most especially for development and improved governance was held in the six geopolitical zones Participants were drawn from Budget Watch Groups, Zonal Coordinators of the project, Employees and Information Officials of Local Government (LG) and Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Students of higher institutions, Community Development Associations, and the Media.

THE LAGOS CONFERENCE he 3-day conference was held at the University of Lagos Consult Building between 1st - 3rd TFebruary, 2012. This was the first of its kind bringing together the zonal co-ordinators of HDI Budget Watch Project from the six geopolitical zones.

The opening address was given by the Executive Director of HDI Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye in which he explained the rationale and idea behind the project to the participants. He equally emphasized the strategic position of Local Governments to deliver social services to the people at the grass-root level who constitute the most significant level of government.

The conference had an impressive and a large t u r n o u t o f u n i v e r s i t y s t u d e n t s , L G A Employee/Information Officials, members of Community Development Association (CDAs) and Media Practitioners.

A NEWSLETTER OF HDI-LG BUDGET WATCH PROJECT Sponsored by Ford Foundation FACILITATORS/PRESENTERS AT THE SEMINAR ROLE OF THE STAKEHOLDERS AND CITIZENS  Be an active participant at the level where you can set he following personalities graced the seminar targets and KPIs and then monitor and query same; venue with their well-researched papers.  Ask for Information- The FOI has made this very T possible; 1. Honourable Ademorin Kuye- Commissioner for  Make possible and useful contribution; Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Lagos  Be an active member of a /CDA- Community State Development Association; 2. Mrs. Olabisi Ogunbesan- Director of Public  Be concerned; Prosecution, Ministry of Justice, Lagos State  Participante in town hall meetings, public hearings, 3. Mrs. Oluremi Jibodu- Director of Budget, Ministry of stakeholders forum etc; Finance, Lagos State  Give feedback to government through the available 4. Mr. Kenneth Odusanya- Chartered Accountant and platforms; Contributor to the LGA Budget-Watch Manual  Regular Payment of taxes; 5. Prof S.B.A. Oloko- Chairperson, Board of Trustees,  Patronize public facilities; and HDI.  Protect public facilities to avoid wastage and leakages. 6. Prof Omololu Soyombo- Member, Board of Trustees, HDI SEMINARS IN THE OTHER ZONES 7. Prof Bolaji Owasanoye- Executive Director of HDI equel to the successful organization of the and Director of Research, Nigerian Institute of Capacity Building Seminar in Lagos, the zonal Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS) Sco-ordinators of HDI Budget Watch group with the assistance of HDI staff organised similar In her very informative style, Mrs. Oluremi Jibodu, seminars in the other geopolitical zones of the identified the role of stakeholders in the community, most country. The reports filed in from the states are quite impressive.This led to the establishment of the especially at the local government level. According to budget watch group in the six geopolitical zones. her, the role of the stakeholders and citizens are: Governance and accountability begins with you, make your voice heard

BUDGET WATCH GROUPS articipants drawn from the capacity building seminars across the six geo- Ppolitical zones formed the corp of budget watch groups. The group consists of Local Government officials, Community leaders, Community Development Associations and students. Their role of the watch group includes amongst others to deliberate on: Citizen's priority projects with the LGA  Determine expenditure of its projects.  Consult on how to assist government at LG levels Advocate on citizen representation/ Participation Watch groups have started meeting in all zones except Delta and Abuja. HDI ACTIVITIES SOCIAL NETWORK SITE HDI/LGA budget watch project has successfully launched a website for citizen's participation. The website encourages the use of telephone number to be synchronized to the webpage. The w e b p a g e i s www.hdinigeria.org/lgabudgetwatch. A l s o a f a c e b o o k p a g e www.facebook.com/hdinigeria.com was created to share comments on local government affairs. RADIO PROGRAMMES HDI partners radio stations to draw attention to budgeting and government accountability and facilitate community feedback on budget implementation in the selected LGAs

A NEWSLETTER OF HDI-LG BUDGET WATCH PROJECT Sponsored by Ford Foundation HDI MONITORING ACTIVITIES ESTIMATED REVENUE 2012 2011 HDI officials in Lagos have form the habit of constantly i. Internally Generated interacting with the various Local Governments and Revenue 249,832,000 222,300,000 LCDAs . We hope to improve on this and encourage the ii. Statutory Allocation Budget Watch Groups from the other geopolitical zones to for Dev 2,017,280,681 1,933,200,000 embark on similar projects. iii. Statutory Allocation from State Account 17,500,000 7,500,000 Through our interaction with the LGs and LCDAs, we iv. Special Grant from INEC 20,000,000 have below an example of a Local Government Budget for Total 2,284,612,681 2,183,000,000 the year 2012 ESTIMATED RECURRENT EXPENDITURE 2012 2011 2012 YABA LCDA BUDGET SUMMARY i. Personnel cost The total budget is put at two billion, two hundred and (Council Staff) 300,000,000 295,008,723.80 eighty four million, six hundred and twelve thousand, six ii. Teachers Salaries 380,000,000 365,000,000.00 hundred and eighty one naira, (N2,284,612,681)) with its iii. Recurrent Overhead Cost/Stablization Fund 714,912,681 824,650,000.00 summary as under listed. iv. Total Recurrent Costs (Including salaries) 1,394,912,681 1,454,658,723.80

CITIZEN’S FEEDBACK EXTRACT FROM THE WEBSITE BELOW ARE RESPONSES FROM CITIZENS ACROSS THE COUNTRY LOCATION 1. Nkannu west need more attention please help Enugu State-Nkannu West LGA 2. Only Ilorin is ok in Kwara State and we all voted. Go to rural area and see it. Are they not among of Kwara State Kwara State - Ilorin West LGA 3. Gradually Eti Osa Roads getting better. But Believe the Chairman Still do better. Meanwhile weldone Mr. Chairman Lagos State -Eti-Osa LGA 4. We want to know our faith in development of Kwara. Are we part we part of Kwara? We need development in our area too Kwara State- Ilorin West LGA 5. Ilorin is good but other LGAs are neglected. It is good? Kwara State - Ilorin West LGA 6. The Chairman of Erodo is seen last during election. The next appearance to the populace is next election for him or his bus Unless our vote count know single chairman will perform Edo State-Oredo LGA 7. I think of it always if Egor chairman is not performing what can we do? To report to Police or Soldier. Please I do not know who to report to. Can you tell me. Thank for quick reply Edo-State BRIEF HISTORY OF HDI uman Development Initiatives was established in 1997 and fully registered in 1998 as a not for Hprofit organisation. Its objectives are to build human capacity with emphasis on development; to promote human development awareness; to propagate and disseminate information on human development ideals and civic education at the grassroots and other levels; to engage in development/educational activities such as research studies, public awareness seminars, conferences, street law programmes; to investigate social malaise, prepare reports and publications; and to do all such other things as its Governing Board shall approve from time to CONTACT HDI BUDGET WATCH DESK IN YOUR LOCALITY Visit: www.hdinigeria.org, www.facebook.com/hdinigeria, www.hdinigeria.org/lgabudjetwatch, www.twitter.com/hdinigeria E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] Call: 08069518000 Human Development Initiatives 08080551376 “...Initiatives make life better” HUMAN ACCOUNTABILITY DEVELOPMENT ASSESSMENT INITIATIVES ISSN 1119-9113

Vol.4, Apr Edition

Local Government Areas (LGAs) and their Functions There are 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Nigeria. Each of these Local Governments has an elected Chairman who is responsible for administering the Local Government. The Chairman is the executive in the Local Government. He works with other elected members known as councilors. Each local government is divided into wards. Each ward has a councilor who represents it in the local government Headquarters.

Functions of the local government Area (LGAs) The functions of the LGAs as provided by the 1999 constitution are: 1. Economic recommendation to the state. 2. Collection of taxes and fees 3. Establishment and maintenance of commentaries, burial grounds and homes for the destitute and infirm. 4. Licensing of bicycles, trucks (other than mechanically propelled) canoes, wheel barrows and carts. 5. Establishment, maintenance and regulation of markets, motor parks and public conveniences. 6. Construction and maintenance of roads, streets, drains and other public highways, parks and open spaces. 7. Naming of roads and street and numbering houses. 8. Provision and maintenance of public transportation and refuse disposal 9. Registration of births, deaths and marriages. 10. Control and regulation of outdoor advertising, movement and keeping of pets of all kinds, kiosks and shops, restaurants and other places for sale of food to the public and laundries.

A NEWSLETTER OF HDI-LG BUDGET WATCH PROJECT Sponsored by Ford Foundation Local Government Budget Eti-Osa (Ikoyi-Obalende) LCDA Approved 2012 Budget is a detailed plan that is expressed in quantitative Budget terms, that specifies how resources will be acquired and Details of actual reserves used during a specific time period. Essentially, a local Approved Estimate Government budget for a given year is a financial plan consisting of two basic elements: a. Cash and bank balances- as at i. Revenue- the expected income from taxes, 1st January, 2012 N10,450,860.58 development levy, statutory allocation from state b. Remittance in transit - account e.t.c c. Total Liquid Assets - ii. Expenditure: Cost of projected government projects in d. Investment - the year such as schools, roads e.t.c e. Total Reserves(as at 1st January,2012) 10,450,860.58 LG Budget Watch Group In a bid to achieve its dream of creating awareness and Approved Estimate 2012 disseminating information effectively and accurately, the Add Approved Revenue 2012 2,089,549,139.42 HDI recently established the budget watch groups in each of Less Approved Expenditure 2012 2,100,000,000.00 the six- geopolitical zones of the country. The budget watch Approved Budget Surplus - groups have become instrumental in securing budget from the LGAs. HDI strongly believes that these budget groups Disbursable Fund-mode Appropriation could be used to sensitize the populace on community a. Cash and Bank Balances as at participation and representation in each of the six st 1 January 2012 10,450,860.58 geopolitical zones. Below is an extract from the Eti-Osa b. Internal Reserves - (Ikoyi-Obalende) budget Total 2011 Approved Statutory Allocation i. Statutory Allocation from Do you know that Federal Account 1,500,000,000.00 ii. Statutory Allocation from State your LG Chairman Account on internal Revenue 56,000,000.00 iii. Income from Value Added Tax want to hear your (VAT) proceeds 340,000,000.00 iv. Special Allocation from Federal view on his Account - v. Excess Crude Oil performance

BRIEF HISTORY OF HDI uman Development Initiatives was established in 1997 and fully registered in 1998 as a not for Hprofit organisation. Its objectives are to build human capacity with emphasis on development; to promote human development awareness; to propagate and disseminate information on human development ideals and civic education at the grassroots and other levels; to engage in development/educational activities such as research studies, public awareness seminars, conferences, street law programmes; to investigate social malaise, prepare reports and publications; and to do all such other things as its Governing Board shall approve from time to CONTACT HDI BUDGET WATCH DESK IN YOUR LOCALITY Visit: www.hdinigeria.org, www.facebook.com/hdinigeria, www.hdinigeria.org/lgabudjetwatch, www.twitter.com/hdinigeria E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] Call: 08069518000 Human Development Initiatives 08080551376 “...Initiatives make life better” HUMAN ACCOUNTABILITY DEVELOPMENT ASSESSMENT INITIATIVES ISSN 1119-9113 Vol.5, May. Edition

News from the Local Governments Eti-Osa (Ikoyi/obalende) LCDA n a bid to monitor the developments in the LGA effectively; n a similar development, the Ikoyi/Obalende LCDA the HDI established the budget watch group in the has the following as areas of focus. Cleanness of I2011/2012. News reaching us, courtesy of our Environment, Roads Maintenance, Completion of Eti- representatives across the six- geopolitical zones is quite I Osa House, Education, Flood related problems, Health impressive. For instance, the Yaba LCDA in Lagos under the executive chairmanship of Hon. Abdulraheem Olajide Jimoh set Security, Maintenance of cemeteries, In service training out the following goals in its Budget. for all staff vocational/technical periodically, Road Provision of environmental/Infrastructural Facilities, construction involving corporate bodies. Road and Improvement on primary education, Improvement on health drainage facilities, Empowerment and poverty alleviation, Security of lives and property. Projects completed so far It's interesting to know that Yaba LCDA has successfully he information reaching us at HDI through our executed the following projects. The rehabilitation of, Thorbon budget watch representatives has it that the Avenue, Yovi Street, Kayode Street, Alara/Kofoworola Street, following projects have been successfully carried Faneye Street, Borno Way,Mc Neil Street, Olonode Street, T out: provision of School Infrastructure by public private Olayinka Street, Makoko Road, Church Street. partnership (PPP), St. Georges (renovated), Ireti primary Similarly, the Yaba LCDA has embarked on Streetlight installation/reactivation. These include: Solar powered street School (renovated),Hope Primary School at Meckwen lights in Harvey road, Morris Road, Birikisu Iyede Street and (Renovated),Obalende Primary School, Ijeh (Newly Atan Cemetery, Construction/rehabilitation of primary schools, Constructed),Health Care,Primary Health Centre, Ikoyi Talim Islamiyah Primary School, Adekunle, All Saints Primary and Obalende (fully renovated by council),Security,2 pick School, Myhoung Barracks Primary School. up (Ford Ranger for Police Patrol),Onikan Police Station, Ikoyi Police Station, Electronic radio Equipment for Ikoyi Oredo LG in Edo State Police Station, Purchase of 5kva generating plant for part from monitoring effectively the developments Onikan Police Station. in Lagos, HDI through its budget watch group has Borehole Projects: Warrders Barracks (1)/Dolphin Estate Aspread its monitoring efforts to the six-geopolitical (2)/ Ikoyi (3) /Eti-osa House (1)/Obalende zones. For instance, this report was filed in from Oredo LG (2)/Falomo (2) in Edo state. The Oredo LG, under the leadership of Prince Road Completed: Rumens, Ijeh Road, Brown Road, Ekpen Eweka has successfully completed the following Cameroon (250MTRS),Mac-Donald/Oniru Road projects. Ikoyi,Okotie-Eboh Close, Maintenance of Council St. Paul's Primary School, Ezomo primary school, Ogbe primary school, Fabiyi Akpata primary, Uwa market and Oba market which was given a transformer. Others include What are the facts behind Eyaenugie primary school, Oliha primary school, Aluma primary schools and grading of some earth roads. The LG Budget figures? Get Local Government has also made impact in the area of health by funding immunization programme in the local government. involved with HDI-LGA Budget Watch Project A NEWSLETTER OF HDI-LG BUDGET WATCH PROJECT Sponsored by Ford Foundation Highlights of meeting from Kwara Social Network site In the discussion with the volunteers, it was submitted that a HDI/LGA budget watch project has Local Government kick started a programme without the successfully launched a website for citizen's approval of the budget. This was viewed as an aberration but the participation the website encourages the notion was quickly debunked. A volunteer who is also a former Councilor educated the participants that certain percentage of use of telephone number to be the budget may be spent before the final approval. synchronized to the webpage, webpage is There was a report that Ode Alfa Nda road and drainage is under www.hdinigeria.org/lgabudgetwatch. construction and the Budget Watch officers are supervising the A l s o a f a c e b o o k p a g e project. A participant commented and pledged to give the LG- www.facebook.com/hdinigeria.com was BUDGET watch officers update about the road. created to share comments on Local Government affairs. HDI project Activities Radio programmes In a bid to accomplish its vision and mission statements, HDI HDI partner with radio stations to draw has embarked on Capacity building seminars across the six geo- attention to budgeting and government political zones. Participants were drawn from Local accountability and facilitate community Government officers, community leaders, community feedback on budget implementation in the development associations (CDAs) and students. It is our duty in selected LGAs HDI to create awareness of developments in various local governments in the six geopolitical zones.

CITIZEN’S FEEDBACK EXTRACT FROM THE WEBSITE BELOW ARE RESPONSES FROM CITIZENS ACROSS THE COUNTRY LOCATION 1. This is the way to ask our LGA Chairman on how he spends our tax payer money Gombe State 2. Can somebody tell me the function of the councilor because I cannot see what they are doing Delta State- Warri South 3. The Mayor, Barr. Ugwu is working hard Enugu State- Nsukka 4 Nsukka is working Enugu State- Nsukka 5. Please where can I find the sure project allocations given to my LCDA that is Kosofe LGA Lagos Mainland 6. Ofa dey suffer , everything jaga, jaga, please Chairman use our money judiciously enough is enough Offa , Kwara State 7. The Chairman of Eti- Osa is trying but development in that area does not portray the huge income the Chairman is getting Eti- Osa, Lagos. 8. I do not see any development in my local government, please help Kano 9. Abuja is the Capital of Nigeria that deserves beautification Gwagwalada 10. Let the Bariga LCDA chairman come to my street, Banji Lawal is bad which is very bad now because it is no go area. Lagos (Bariga LCDA) BRIEF HISTORY OF HDI uman Development Initiatives was established in 1997 and fully registered in 1998 as a not for profit organisation. Its Hobjectives are to build human capacity with emphasis on development; to promote human development awareness; to propagate and disseminate information on human development ideals and civic education at the grassroots and other levels; to engage in development/educational activities such as research studies, public awareness seminars, conferences, street law programmes; to investigate social malaise, prepare reports and publications; and to do all such other things as its Governing Board shall approve from time to time.

NEWS FROM THE STATES The Igbo-Eze South LGA of Enugu State, has completed equel to the establishment of the HDI-LGA Budget some road projects particularly the Ovoko and Ibagwa Aka Watch Group in the six geopolitical zones, there has Roads. It was also learnt that the LGA has secured an expanse Sbeen monthly meetings between its members and local of Land at Ifelu for the establishment of Songhai Farm, being government officials in the various zones. News reaching us, an initiative of the state government. In like manner, it was courtesy of our representatives across the six geopolitical gathered that despite the efforts of the Chairman in his zones demonstrates that the meetings have been very fruitful. bid to bring transformation to the local government, Below are extracts from such meetings. some issues are yet to be addressed. For instance, the local government still lacks portable water, the LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA BUDGET Chairman is hereby being encouraged to see that this WATCH MONTHLY MEETING IN KWARA issue is urgently addressed. The Budget Watch group is STATE cognizant of the fact that the issues confronting the The HDI-LGA Budget Watch monthly meeting for Ilorin efficient transformation of the local government could East and Ilorin West took place on Saturday, June 30, 2012. not be addressed overnight but through a continuous Several issues were discussed. One of such was the need to conscious effort. Therefore, the good people of this have a media chat on radio and television stations in order to local government are enjoined to be patient with the sensitize the populace on the need to hold their elected working Chairman. representatives accountable. Some of the problems still bedevilling the local governments were equally discussed. L G A B U D G E T WAT C H M O N T H LY MEETING IN LAGOS BUDGET WATCH MONTHLY MEETING IN The budget watch group in Yaba LCDA had its monthly ENUGU STATE meeting on June 28, 2012. The meeting was well attended. It The HDI budget watch monthly meeting for Enugu State was gathered that the Yaba LCDA under the leadership of took place on 21st and 22nd June, 2012 in two different Prince Jide Jimoh is working. For instance, it has been able to locations within the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Quite a launch a skill acquisition programme for the unemployed number of issues were discussed. For instance, it was youths in the LCDA. observed that some parts of Enugu State particularly Nru and Nguru areas were grappling with the problem of heavy ETI-OSA LCDA REPORT flooding. Besides, the areas still needing attention in Nsukka. The LGA Budget Watch Group Monthly Meeting was held on 21st June 2012. The group which comprised Similarly, it was observed that some other areas like representatives of the CDC, LGA Officials, Youth and rural electrification project, the supply of fertilizers to National Orientation Agencies members. At the meeting, a farmers and the market construction at Ikpa still needed number of issues were discussed, ranging from urgent attention. In view of the above development, the security to provision of social infrastructure, provision of Budget Watch team in the Easter zone has been public means of transportation et-ce-tera. Information directed by the HDI national Headquarters in Lagos to reaching us at the HDI national headquarters courtesy visit the local government Chairman and bring these of our Budget Watch personnel has it that the local burning issues to his notice. We also enjoin the government Chairman is working. Similarly, the issue populace to feed our Budget Watch team with relevant of health and healthy environment should be seen as information that will enhance their performance in the very crucial to the well-being of people in the local zone. government. To this end, we in HDI are imploring the local government Chairman to take the issue of Environmental Sanitation very seriously. To this end, drainage in the local government must be kept clean to avoid stagnant water which would lead to breeding of Make your voice heard: Be a part of mosquitoes and the problem of over flooding whenever HDI-LGA Budget Watch Team it rains. A NEWSLETTER OF HDI-LGA BUDGET WATCH PROJECT Sponsored by Ford Foundation COLLABORATION WITH MEDIA Partnership has been established with the Radio stations to raise awareness on budgeting and government accountability and to encourage community feedback on budget implementation. This was achieved through the HDI inviting professionals among the stakeholders to discuss issues pertaining to governance on air and also taking calls from members of the public. Some of the radio stations are: Radio Lagos 107.5 MHz, Eko Fm 89.70 Mhz, Nigeria Info 99.30 Mhz, Unilag FM 103.10 MHz etc, Partnership in the month of June includes: Radio Lagos Tiwa n Tiwa 107.5MHz on “Oju T'aye” (Live with phone in) Wednesday 13th June 2012, topic discussed: How to Engage with Your Local Government and E da wa l'ohun (Recorded Members of LGA Budget Watch Group of Egor LG Council during their meeting Interview) Thursday 21st June 2012, topic discussed: Youth SOCIAL NETWORK SITE participation in Local Government Governance. HDI-LGA budget watch project has successfully launched a Do you know that your Local website for citizen's participation. The website encourages the use of telephone number to be synchronized to the w e b p a g e : 0 8 0 6 9 5 1 8 0 0 . T h e w e b p a g e i s Government Chairman wants to hear www.hdinigeria.org/lgabudgetwatch. Also a facebook page www.facebook.com/hdinigeria.com your view on his performance was created to share comments on local government affairs. A CITIZEN’S FEEDBACK: EXTRACT FROM THE WEBSITE BELOW ARE RESPONSES FROM CITIZENS ACROSS THE COUNTRY Suggestions/Complaints LOCATION 1. Sir, all the road at Aiyetoro- Itele-Ota are bad but its not yet approved. Ogun State 2. Good day Sir, I listened to your early morning radio Lagos programme and I have this questions, why is Nigeria not listed on the Global company locator? Are you an NGO or a business man? Lagos Mainland LGA 3. I do not see any development in my local government, please help. Edo State, Egor LGA 4. I want the whole world to know that my local government chairman in Enugu State Nkannu-West LGA is doing nothing please help Enugu State 5. The Chairman is trying but he needs to do more Lagos State, Eti-Osa 6. Please tell my Chairman to awake from his sleeping and up to do his duties Delta State 7. Workers welfare are being neglected in Nsukka Local Government Nsukka, Enugu State 8. The Chairman is trying his best, Godfather is too much what can he do, blame Baba Isale for not performing, not the Chairman Kwara State 9. I greet you people of HDI and pray that God In His infinite mercy will protect you, amen. Please come to Badagry Local Govt to ask from the Chairman what he has been doing with the allocations from government since the beginning of this year. Let us forget the past. We are not feeling the impact of the local government of Badagry. You must see the projects physically and not on paper. Thanks. From Badagry. Lagos State Mainland LGA BRIEF HISTORY OF HDI uman Development Initiatives was established in 1997 and fully registered in 1998 as a not for profit organistion. Its Hobjectives are to build human capacity with emphasis on development; to promote human development awareness; to propagate and disseminate information on human development ideals and civic education at the grassroots and other levels; to engage in development/educational activities such as research studies, public awareness seminars, conferences, street law programmes; to investigate social malaise, prepare reports and publications; and to do all such other things as its Governing Board shall approve from time to time. CONTACT HDI BUDGET WATCH DESK IN YOUR LOCALITY Visit: www.hdinigeria.org, www.facebook.com/hdinigeria, www.hdinigeria.org/lgabudjetwatch, www.twitter.com/hdinigeria E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] or Call: 08069518000 Human Development Initiatives 2, Iwaya Road, Onike-Yaba Lagos, Nigeria Tel: +234-1-7938074, Child Helpline: 01-7613322, 08080551376 “...Initiatives make life better” Email: [email protected] Website: www.hdinigeria.org HUMAN ACCOUNTABILITY DEVELOPMENT ASSESSMENT INITIATIVES ISSN 1119-9113 Vol.7, July Edition

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WHEN WE LOOK Alagbon road, Aboyade Cole, Adetokunbo Ademola road, 1st Avenue It is effort worthwhile doing all you can to make your road and Glover Junction is very bad; the series of letters written to community/your local government all that you want it to be. With a the Local Government Chairman in respect of the bad roads is yet to population of about 167 million, Nigeria has the wherewithal to be responded to. Government keep patching the road, and the transform itself. That power resides with and in people is true even patching does not last. till today. However, when people of a nation are docile and subservient, impunity is made in very few to oppress the majority: Issues relating to the inability of community members to participate people's power becomes too weak to make significant difference in in past budget deliberation were discussed and resolved. The HOD, their society, dictatorship and instability in government persist, Budget Department encouraged CDC to always forward the input corruption and embezzlement thrive; inadequate infrastructure and the needs of community member for inclusion in the manifest, among other factors, extenuated by lack of openness and she requested for stakeholders contribution in budget development. transparency in the machinery of government particularly in the budgetary process drag down development. REPORT FROM LAGOS STATE A curvet claimed to be broken by the State Ministry of Works during a This explains why 70 percent of Nigerians live in poverty. The dare construction work on blocked drainage at Grey Close, Sabo, Yaba, is need to improve budget transparency and accountability and the yet to be reconstructed. need for appropriate disclosure of the use of public resources to the citizenry, gave birth to the Local Government Budget Watch Project It is reported that free Ambulance Service programme was launched, (LGBWP) initiated by HDI with the support of Ford Foundation. and some wards within the LGA benefitted from the distribution of Now that there is a platform for public participation, citizens should electricity transformer. Considering the success of the Local seize the opportunity to participate in budget development in their Government, more projects needs to be embarked upon particularly local government and project monitoring in their immediate construction of more drainages and bore-hole water at the necessary communities. The support line has been built, the capacity has been area in the LGA. improved: HDI has commenced LGBWP to your advantage. We need to stop looking but start to watch, be part of it. REPORT FROM ENUGU STATE A new market is being constructed at the Ikpa market area while the BUDGET WATCH UPDDATE LGA is also constructing drainages along Tectonics road in the Local Government Budget Watch Project (LGBWP) that Odenigbo ward of Nsukka urban. While some parts of the LGA is commence in six geopolitical zones covering 12 Local Government known to have been peaceful, other parts such as St Theresa's road Areas (LGA) is ongoing in the following locations: Gwagwalada and Catherine Rest House areas seem to have remained under siege LGA Abuja, Ilorin West and Ilorin East LGAs Kwara State, Nsukka of criminals and robbers of late. Generally, the group noted that most and Nkwannu West LGAs Enugu State, Mainland and Eti-Osa parts of the Nsukka urban area is not very secure and that individuals LGAs Lagos State, Warri South and Uvwie North LGAs Delta State, and groups now cater for their own security. However, it was also and Egor and Oredo LGAs Edo State. Capacity building aimed at observed that government has beefed up deployment of security encouraging Good Governance, Transparency, Accountability, and agents in parts of the LGA. The police now engage in occasional Citizen Participation, is a strategic means of connecting the people patrol of the LGA especially at night so as to minimize the incidence to their various LGAs. of night crimes in the LGA.

MATTERS ARISING The report from Enugu reveals that there is improvement in MEDIA INVOLVEMENT people's participation in the monitoring of LGA project in The media has been thoroughly explored as a tool to shrivel the gap communities. between the people and their LGAs; hence, our informative Radio programmes, the HDI/budget watch website and the social network, REPORT FROM KWARA STATE and HDI newsletters play vital role in connecting people with their The Budget Watch Group seem to be having all issues relating LGA Executives. Some of the broadcast can be accessed on the budget watch website to development of their communities unresolved still. Since (www.hdinigeria.org/lgabudgetwatch) and comments posted their previous meeting in the month of June, no work has been through 0806 518 0000. done on the rural electrification in Gbadamu, Marafa-Oja and others in Ilorin East LGA; however, the 1km road under- REPORT FROM IKOYI-OBALENDE construction is still ongoing. The roads in Pataka, Abu Sheriff Ilasan Eti-Osa West Housing Estate did not have drainage, the two Street, and Tinu Street at Akeredolu Isale Kanike area are yet to bore hole constructed for the occupants is not functioning well, be done. there is need to have more bore hole in the community; A NEWSLETTER OF HDI-LGA BUDGET WATCH PROJECT Sponsored by Ford Foundation Generally, there are complaints about lack of good drainage, Oronsaya Street, Edo Street and behind St. Patrick Catholic market structure, security, educational development, health Church along Ugbowo road and in Evbotubu quarters. Grading care, water, and other necessities. of Okhonra Street and one street each in the ten wards in the There is panic among the staff of LGA in Ilorin over speculation LGA. Relief materials donated to erosion victims, Free eye test that some staff would be laid off, amidst indications of non- and glasses and other health services and adequate attention to payment of workers' salaries. It was also reported that, the delay the health sector. was deliberate in order to allow the on-going data capturing exercise to fish out ghost workers in the LGA. As a result of this, REPORT FROM DELTA STATE projects have been on hold due to unavailability of fund. Currently in Delta State, no government is seen carrying out any single development of any sort. The participants explained that the local governments at present are run by the Head of Personnel REPORT FROM EDO STATE Management as there are currently no executive council either Members of the group expressed displeasure over the non-access to transitional or substantive to manage the affairs of the Local budgetary information in the LGA. They mentioned that only Government. selected members of the council and politicians are allowed to be part of the budget presentation. The NOA and other stakeholders are not In Warri South and Uvwie LGAs, there is no on-going project allowed to be part of the exercise which does not portray the true being observed. Since the Heads of Personnel Management picture of democracy. (HPM) are in charge of the local government affairs do nothing other than paying salaries which has not been regular. Budget Members of the group while acknowledging the efforts of the LGA. watch group complained of their LGA budget being under the managers however scored it low in view of the enormous needs of the control of the State Government. They believed that if this is L.A. They mentioned that roads and streets like Igbinosa, addressed it would help them know how to help their community Osakponmwan, Omosede, Anigboro, Otote, part of Okhonre, as well as their LGA. Uwagboe, Uwasota, Ojo, Adolor and many more are begging for urgent attention, no market in the LGA. has received attention since REPORT FROM GWAGWALADA ABUJA inception of the present government. The noticeable developmental The BWG in the LGA needs capacity building on the coverage of project in the Local Government: The group identified the following the project, how group's recommendation translate to result, and as some of the project executed in the Local Government under the benefit of participants apart from service to the community. chairmanship of Mr. George Aimianoho. Transformers installed at CITIZEN'S FEEDBACK EXTRACT FROM THE WEBSITE BELOW ARE RESPONSES FROM CITIZENS ACROSS THE COUNTRY Suggestions/Complaints LOCATION 1. Can someone help us to tell Kano municipal local government chairman the worst situation of Kano municipal LGA? It becomes unbearable Kano - Oredo LGA Edo State 2. The transition committee chairman of Oredo local govt council has embarked on the renovation of some primary schools in the area but more is expected. Benin City, Edo State 3. It is sad to note that a market where food items are displayed is been taken over by dirts and the local govt council is not doing anything Warri South LGA, Delta State. 4. I do not know what our chairman is doing concern our decay infrastructure Ughelli North Uvwie LGA Delta State. 5. Do you thing we can hold our chairman responsible? These LGA Chairmen in our country does not depend on our vote. What else? Nsukka, LGA Enugu State. 6. We are not matured to hold our LGA Chairman responsible. No law to back it up. Abuja Gwagwalada LGA Gombe State. 7. We want to know our faith in development of kwara. Are we part of kwara? Please we need development in our area too. Ilorin East LGA Kwara State.

CONTACT HDI BUDGET WATCH DESK IN YOUR LOCALITY Visit: www.hdinigeria.org, www.facebook.com/hdinigeria, www.hdinigeria.org/lgabudjetwatch, www.twitter.com/hdinigeria E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] or Call: 08069518000 Human Development Initiatives 2, Iwaya Road, Onike-Yaba Lagos, Nigeria Tel: +234-1-7938074, Child Helpline: 01-7613322, 08080551376 “...Initiatives make life better” Email: [email protected] Website: www.hdinigeria.org HUMAN ACCOUNTABILITY DEVELOPMENT ASSESSMENT INITIATIVES ISSN 1119-9113 Vol.8, August Edition

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MAKING THE BEST USE OF FOI LAW IN YOUR LOCAL  You do not have to be literate to use it; even the physically GOVERNMENT challenged, depending on the nature of disability, can t a k e Y SAFETY WHILE I PARTICIPATE IN BUDGET advantage of the Act- “every person” has a legal WATCH? This is a question that people frequently enforceable right to access to records, documents and Mwithdraws to asking when critical issues relating to information held by public institutions; participating in LGA matters arise. However, we should first agree that  Refusal to make available information requested for, there are challenges in contributing to socially desirable change. In destruction or falsification of records if established is addition, it should be seen as a collective social responsibility. Most adequately punishable if such request is not exempted by the Act. times these challenges are politically inclined; it could be in form of intolerance or deprivation coming from the ruling party members in  The Act gives a maximum of seven (7) days for your request your locality. However, with adequate understanding of your right and to be granted. freedom under the law you can live above them.  Fees for access to information are limited to standard c h a rg e For your information, among all the legal documents that make for duplication of documents and for transcription, where provisions for your protection as citizens, after the constitution, the necessary next most powerful is the Freedom of Information Act, 2011. How? Section 1(1) of the Act says: All you need to do is to have knowledge of the FOI Act by having a “Notwithstanding anything contained in any other Act, law or copy. However, the Federal Ministry of Justice has issued operational regulation, the right of any person to access or request information, guidelines for public authorities on the implementation of the FOI Act, whether or not contained in any written form, which is in the custody 2011 which does not make it difficult for you to use: or possession of any public official, agency or institution howsoever described, is established.” “Request for information or records under the Act must be in writing, stating the name, address and signature of the applicant; Furthermore, Sub-section 2 and 3 state that: date of the application, a good description of the information or “An applicant under this Act needs not demonstrate any specific record requested; the form the requested information may be interest in the information being applied for…Any person entitled to transmitted; and any other information as may be considered the right to information under this Act, shall have the right to institute appropriate from time to time” proceedings in the Court to compel any institution to comply with the provisions of this Act.” MAKING REQUEST FOR INFORMATION Unfortunately, due to ignorance by majority, the question of how do The applicant for information, records or documents should be we hold our local government responsible is frequently asked by addressed and sent to the FOI Officer of the public institution, who is many. With FOI Act, you need not do much to get whatever the person designated by the public institution under the Act to receive information that you need from your local government. Do you know? such request from members of the public; however, if the institution has not designated an FOI Officer, you may address your request for  You need not explain to any local government official the information, records or document to the head of the institution. reason behind whatever information you request for; Examples of ways in which you could describe the document, record or information that you want could include any of the following:  You need not have any confrontation with any local government official before your request is granted; “I request copies of all correspondence, including e-mails, between  You need not see the chairman of your local government b e f o r e officials of the Ministry of information and Blue Skies International, you get response to your request from the local from January 1, 2011 and June 30, 2011, leading to the signing of the government office; Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry and the company, dated July 1, 2011.”  As a matter of fact you need not to be a group, body, or OR organization to command prompt attention; “I request a copy of the minute of the meetings of the Procurement  FOI Act is written in simple English language, so you do n o t Planning Committee of the Ministry of Global Affairs, held on May necessarily need any attorney to interpret the letters i n t h e 28, 2011, at which the decision was taken to purchase250 laptop Act. computers for senior officers of the Ministry.” OR  The type of information covered by the Act and which can be “I request a list of all the applications for the building plan approvals a c c e s s e d u n d e r t h e A c t i n c l u d e a l l r e c o r d s , granted by the Ministry of Urban Planning between May 29, 2007 and documents and information stored in whatever form, including May 28, 2011. The list should indicate the names of the applications, written, electronic, visual images, sounds, audio recording, etc. the date the applications were granted, the type of building approved therefore, budgets and document pertaining to contract and the amount paid in fees and charges by each applicant” transactions from both the local government and the contractor and so on, are not excluded. A NEWSLETTER OF HDI-LGA BUDGET WATCH PROJECT Sponsored by Ford Foundation Finally indicate in your request that you expect to receive the HDI Reply: information, record or document promptly, but in any case no We can leverage on the existing laws to bring a desirable later than the 7 days provided by the FOI Act. change in our community. It begins with the available steps. To our dear readers, this edition is a response to your many Let us minimize asking question but begin making request that feedbacks from the budget watch website and budget watch count. That is what the FOI law is giving us. The reply to Egor groups. You can contact us via our contacts if you encounter any local government is useful for you too. Names of locations difficulty when you demonstrate your civic right and where attention is required should be included in our reports. responsibility. If you are not clear about anything on this matter feel free also to call and send in your comments. In Gwagwalada Local Government Area, Abuja MATTERS ARISING In Egor Local Government Area, Edo State  Local government roads are in bad shape due to lack of drainage. In terms of performance, BWG scored them  Road situation in Uwelu, Evbareke, and Evbotobu is 20%. worsened by erosion due to lack of drainage system  The public schools in the local government are in poor  The market in Uselu, and Evbareke have been taken over by state. dirt  The areas of needs include, proper implementation of the  The primary health sector is reported to be lacking in the area budget, improvement in the health sector, educational of staff and equipment development in the rural areas, good roads, and public  The outsourced local government revenue collection agent sensitization on local government budget participation. has been alleged of not remitting the correct amount to the HDI Reply: council offers. The previous HDI reply would be helpful. In addition, as LGA HDI Reply: Budget Watch Group (BWG) we can set an agenda on how to make request for things that are important to our communities, There are simple steps we should take first to handle some of and seek guidance when needed. these matters. You need to have a current copy of your local government budget, identify the locations covered and the In Ilorin, Kwara State provisions contained in the budget. Request for the contract  The water channel from Ojagboro to Ile-Alata is almost details of projects awarded including the name of the contractor completely damaged. Many letters have been written to and the amount paid in fees and charges for each project. Then, if both the State and the local government, but there have the areas you have spotted in need of attention are not included, it been no reply. is our responsibility as a community to ensure that they are counted in the next budgeting year.  Delayed payment of local government salary is a concern to the BWG in Ilorin. In Oredo Local Government Area, Edo State HDI Reply:  There is the need for the local government to focus on the earth roads which are not motorable especially during rainy The reply to the previous matters would be useful for you as season. well. However, concerning the on-going projects in your communities, an aspect of budget watch is project monitoring.  Citizens' participation is near zero as there have not been Please ensure that you have details of projects being carried avenue for them to do so; out in your communities and monitor them.  There is indiscriminate dumping of refuse.

CONTACT HDI BUDGET WATCH DESK IN YOUR LOCALITY Visit: www.hdinigeria.org, www.facebook.com/hdinigeria, www.hdinigeria.org/lgabudjetwatch, www.twitter.com/hdinigeria E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] or Call: 08069518000 Human Development Initiatives 2, Iwaya Road, Onike-Yaba Lagos, Nigeria Tel: +234-1-7938074, Child Helpline: 01-7613322, 08080551376 “...Initiatives make life better” Email: [email protected] Website: www.hdinigeria.org HUMAN ACCOUNTABILITY DEVELOPMENT ASSESSMENT INITIATIVES ISSN 1119-9113 Vol. 9, September Edition

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FEDERAL ALLOCATION FOR THE MONTH OF Year 2012 is rounding up. This is a good time for Nigerians SEPTEMBER as well as interested residents to evaluate the performance of t is no longer news that the Federation Account Allocation their Local Government Areas. You can direct your Committee (FAAC) met in September and shared N566.515 questions and your requests to your LGA FOI officers if Ibillion among the three tiers of Government, i.e. Federal, there is any or the chairmen who are supposed to provide you States, and Local Government. From the revenue, all local a full update, directly or through referral, on implementation government in Nigeria shared 20.60% excluding VAT collected of your budget for the year so far. sum amounting to over N82 billion; an amount that when divided WEIGH THE BLAME TAKE YOUR SHARE appropriately among the statutory 774 LGAs will disburse over N100 million to many Local Government Areas. In addition, the What our interest should be is in how the monies allocated Value Added Tax (VAT) component N54.088 billion the total and those generated internally are spent. While the budget is VAT collected for the month of September was equally shared a guide to frugal use of public funds, it helps every citizen to among the three tiers of Government from which Local track the implementation of the provisions of the budget. government shared N18.931 billion. Also distributed is the How well this has been done is directed to both government N7.617billion refunded by NNPC. The total revenue officials and the citizens. While government officials distributable for the current month including VAT is N523.349 respond to how well they have honoured the detailed plans in billion with exchange gain of N831.320million. In all, all the the budget; citizens should ask themselves how much they Local Government Areas in Nigeria have shared a total over have monitored the budget deliverables vis-à-vis the N100 billion in the month of September alone. It was also appropriate use of revenue. Therefore the first thing to do is reported that the Gross Revenue of N594.701 billion received for to have a copy of the budget. Then, we can evaluate our the month of September was higher than the N564.884 billion performance and take responsibility for the progress or received in the previous month by N29.817 billion. failure in our community coming from our support or denial of our local government. There are 774 statutory Local governments in Nigeria currently MATTERS ARISING excluding the controversial Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in some States in Nigeria. With these figures it is Ilorin East Local Government Areas: expected that majority of the LGAs have been given at least over The budget watch team in the local government challenged a N100 million in the month for the Local Government Areas contractor in charge of the Akerebiate road construction. A while there were those who had far above 200 million Naira, to letter was written to this effect and attention was given. The implement the expenditure aspect of their budget. These same goes to Isale Koko road, which was in a bad condition. disbursements do not include the Internally Generated Revenue A meeting was held with the commissioner for works after a (IGR) of each State of the Federation. It is expected that every letter was sent and acknowledged. The commissioner State including the Local Government Areas generates its own promised to forward their request to the State governor. The revenue called (IGR) to augment whatever it receives from the group challenged themselves to continue the monitoring of Federation Account. A follow up of FAAC reports from February the projects in their community ensuring that projects are to present shows that there has been increase in monthly implemented to quality standard. allocation in most cases.

What this portends is that every State like its Local government Areas has capacity to implement its budget since budget is a document that proposes possible revenue and implementable projects. The projects are those activities that are aimed at making life better for the people who reside in a state or locality, while the revenue is the aspect that makes such project realizable. Therefore, no aspect of the budget should be ignored: when we monitor community projects ongoing in our locality, we should also monitor the amount spent on the project, and always ensure we harmonize them with what is written in the budget. This is what the budget watch is about. Budget Watch Group Members in Ilorin East, Kwara State A NEWSLETTER OF HDI-LGA BUDGET WATCH PROJECT Sponsored by Ford Foundation Summary of Gross Revenue Allocation and distribution details of revenue allocation to Local Government Councils by

Federation Account Allocation Committee for the Month of January 2012 Shared in February, 2012. State Local Gross Statutory Distribution from Government Allocation Excess Crude Council Savings Account – Augmentation

=N= =N= =N=

Delta Warri South 101,214,254.45 50,036,958.43

Source: Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation CITIZENS' FEEDBACK EXTRACT FROM THE WEBSITE BELOW ARE REACTIONS FROM CITIZENS ACROSS THE COUNTRY From Lagos: About three years ago in 2009, the contract for the upgrade of the above Primary School was awarded by the Somolu Local Govt. Up till now in September 2012, the about 79 Million Naira project is yet to be completed. The perimeter fence is yet to be constructed too. My concern is, how would a contract drag for so long? And why is it so expensive to design and build a primary school of two bungalow blocks in that locality ?The old structure was on that parcel of land, so they did not have to buy any new land. Why is the project so expensive? Why? Why? Why? The terrazo flooring was even done after the painting. The LGA chairman should be asked to account for his stewardship. They should finish up the place and hand over so that the children can have their school back. It is so annoying. What we heard was that the contractor was able to purchase two brand new Chrysler cars from the proceeds of the contract, even though the project is yet to be completed and handed over. And why has the Local Government not tarred Awoseyin Lane and its environs. Afterall they tarred Balogun street where the Alade Police Station is situated? Even the other streets where the pot holes only need just a handful of concrete or asphalt have been left unattended to for too long a time. Even Oguntolu street, where the LGA HQtrs is situated is not maintained regularly. Ojo street in Akoka is being done in bits and pieces, and poorly too. Animashaun close, right opposite Ojo street in Akoka is also being messed up. Funnily, the councilor for that ward G, lives on Ojo Street!!!He seems to be handicapped in this matter and from the look of things, these poorly constructed roads cannot last the span of 5 years. The Chairmen of Somolu LGA and Bariga LCDA and their teams should just wake up to their responsibilities. The same thing is happening at Odunsi street, Pedro road, Olorunkemi street, etc. to mention a few. They promised to deliver on the dividends of democracy, but have performed woefully. No single borehole was constructed in the last 4 years. The recreational facility that was built at Ojo Square has been left to waste. Grass has overgrow the pitch that should have been used to play grassroots soccer. There is no PHCN connection yet, so the place is in darkness at n i g h t . W h y i s t h i s h a p p e n i n g ? The people of Bariga and Somolu are tired of insensitive governance. What are the Supervisors of Works doing? The stewardship of all these politicians should be reviewed every three months. They should be made to hold town-hall meetings in their constituencies to tell the people who voted them into office what they have achieved in 3 months. This will put them on their toes”.

BRIEF HISTORY OF HDI uman Development Initiatives was established in 1997 and fully registered in 1998 as a not for profit organisation. Its Hobjectives are to build human capacity with emphasis on development; to promote human development awareness; to propagate and disseminate information on human development ideals and civic education at the grassroots and other levels; to engage in development/educational activities such as research studies, public awareness seminars, conferences, street law programmes; to investigate social malaise, prepare reports and publications; and to do all such other things as its Governing Board shall approve from time to time. CONTACT HDI BUDGET WATCH DESK IN YOUR LOCALITY Visit: www.hdinigeria.org, www.facebook.com/hdinigeria, www.hdinigeria.org/lgabudjetwatch, www.twitter.com/hdinigeria E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] or SMS 08069518000 Human Development Initiatives 2, Iwaya Road, Onike-Yaba Lagos, Nigeria Tel: +234-1-7938074, Child Helpline: 01-7613322, 08080551376 “...Initiatives make life better” Email: [email protected] Website: www.hdinigeria.org HUMAN ACCOUNTABILITY DEVELOPMENT ASSESSMENT INITIATIVES ISSN 1119-9113 Vol.10, October Edition

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FAAC Distributes N574.9 Billion in October Our interaction with members of our community can be he Federal Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) a good source of information. Community members has distributed N574.940 billion for the month of should not stop at mongering rumors but should be able TOctober 2012, among the three tiers of government. to match words with action and demand good For the month of October, the federal government got governance. So budget watch should be concerned with N218.652 billion or 52. 68 percent of the statutory finding projects covered in the budget, in particular by allocations, the states were given N110.903 billion or 26.72 every citizen rather than by organizations alone. percent. While Local governments in the country received N85.502 billion or 20.60 per cent of the statutory allocation. Our interaction with members of our community can be A gross revenue of N640.766 billion accrued into the a good source of information. Community members nation's account in October a figure higher than the should not stop at mongering rumors but should be able N594.701 billion received in September, FAAC stated. The to match words with action and demand good increase in the receipts into the federation account was governance. So budget watch should be concerned with attributed to "higher collections on Petroleum Profit Tax finding projects covered in the budget, in particular by (PPT) and Companies Income Tax.” The sum of N46.262 every citizen rather than by organizations alone. billion was distributed as 13 per cent oil and gas derivation revenue among the oil producing states. There were Our interaction with members of our community can be indications that the figures could have been higher but a good source of information. Community members "crude oil production and listings during the period should not stop at mongering rumors but should be able encountered several disruptions as a result of shut down, to match words with action and demand good leakage and fire outbreaks at Trans Niger Pipeline, crude oil governance. So budget watch should be concerned with theft and maintenance work at Qua Iboe, Brass and Forcados finding projects covered in the budget, in particular by terminals." As a result of these developments, the every citizen rather than by organizations alone. distributable statutory revenue for the month of October was N467.007 billion and for the first time in many months there was no augmentation because the revenue for the month What we need to do: exceeded what was budgeted for the month. Also distributed Having the budget is very essential. Everyone should was monthly transfer of N7.617 billion refund by the Nigeria have a copy of his/her local government budget that will National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and the sum of enable him/her to identify projects in the it, and monitor N35.549 billion from the SURE-P programme and N64.229 them. billion from Value Added Tax (VAT).

HDI August Visit to Abuja Budget Watch Group The visit was August for two reasons: it was held in the month of August and members were not notified about the participation of Human Development Initiatives (HDI) in the meeting. The meeting turned out to be exciting and enriching. One other State, Enugu, was visited earlier in the same month. Challenges of LGA budget watch groups were shared and resolved. Specifically, in Abuja members were concerned about being recognized by the local government believing that this recognition would grant them access to information they need to function as a budget watch group. This generated a relatively long debate. Issues of importance to our readers in the outcome of the debate cannot be ignored.

A NEWSLETTER OF HDI-LGA BUDGET WATCH PROJECT Sponsored by Ford Foundation Summary of Gross Revenue Allocation and distribution details of revenue allocation to Local Government Councils by Federation Account Allocation Committee for the Month of February 2012 Shared in March, 2012.

State Local Gross Statutor y Distribution Govern- Allocation from Foreign mentCounc Excess Crude il Savings Account – Augmentation

=N= =N= =N= Delta Uvwie Unknown Unknown

Source: Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation

CITIZENS' FEEDBACK EXTRACT FROM THE WEBSITE BELOW ARE REACTIONS FROM CITIZENS ACROSS THE COUNTRY 1. I want the whole world to know that my local government Chairman in Enugu State-Nkannu West LGA is doing nothing. please help. From Enugu Enugu State-Nkannu West: 2. The Chairman of Eti Osa is trying but the development in that area does not portray the huge income the chairman realize Monthly from the area. Please spend our money judiciously. From Eti-Osa, in Lagos: 3. The effurun market in the Uvwie local govt has turned into nothing but dust bin and this where revenue is been collected on daily basis From Unwie LGA, in Delta State:

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HOW NIGERIA SPENT THE N5.57TR IT EARNED IN Furthermore, the sums of N75.00 billion, N165.62 billion and THE FIRST HALF OF 2012: ADOPTED FROM THE N462.02 billion were distributed as shares of Excess Crude CBN REPORT Account, Subsidy Re-Investment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P)/Exchange Rate Gain/NNPC Refund and revenue he recently released CBN half-year economic report augmentation, respectively. This brought the total federation revenue distributed among the three tiers of government including revealed that Nigeria earned a gross income of the 13% Derivation Fund to N3,327.33 billion. A breakdown TN5.57trillion for the first half of the year 2012. As indicated that the Federal Government received N1,537.01 billion expected, Oil Revenue took the highest share of the (including Special Funds); state governments, N802.04 billion; contribution with 78.1% and non-oil revenue the balance. local governments, N618.34 billion; while the sum of N369.94 billion was allocated as 13% Derivation Fund. How the local governments share was disaggregated was not available as at the time this report was drafted; however, further breakdown of federal government allocation are shown below.

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURE According to CBN's provisional data, “aggregate expenditure of the Federal Government stood at N2,023.80billion or 10.6 per cent of GDP in the first half of 2012. Of the total amount disbursed, recurrent and capital expenditures accounted for 79.5 and 12.8 per cent, respectively, while transfers accounted for the balance of 7.7 per cent. The economic classification of the recurrent expenditure showed that N1,194.31 billion or 6.2 per cent of GDP was expended on goods and services, N314.46 billion or 1.6 per cent of GDP on interest payments, while transfers appropriated N99.67 billion or 0.5 per cent of GDP. The expenditure on social and community services fell by 9.6 per cent to N259.56 billion or 1.4 per cent of GDP as against the N287.08 billion or 1.6 per cent of SOURCE: CENTRAL BANK OF NIGERIA GDP recorded in the corresponding period of 2011. Similarly, the HOW WAS IT SHARED? expenditure on economic services declined by 33.2 per cent to Of the total federally-collected revenue (gross), the sum of N130.46 billion or 0.7 per cent of GDP, from N195.35 billion or N2,624.68 billion or 47.1 per cent was transferred to the 1.1 per cent of GDP in the first-half of 2011″. Federation Account; N226.70billion or 4.1 per cent to the FG Independent revenue, N338.64 billion or 6.1 per cent to VAT Pool CAPITAL EXPENDITURE Account and N131.37 billion or 2.4 per cent to other transfers Total Released was N259b out of the N669b budgeted. It was spent (including Education Tax Fund, Customs Special Levies and as follows; National Information Technology Development Fund). Economic Services N97.82b (0.5% of GDP) Deductions from oil revenue in respect of the Joint Venture Cash Social and Community Services N39.62b (0.2% of GDP) Call, Excess Crude Oil, Excess PPT/Royalty, Domestic Subsidy Administration N113.61b (0.6% of GDP) and others accounted for N2,214.56 billion or 39.7 per cent, while According to the CBN, “Provisional data on the functional the balance of N41.27 billion or 0.6 per cent was transferred as cost classification of the Federal Government capital expenditure in the of revenue collection to the Federal Inland Revenue Service first-half of 2012 revealed that aggregate capital releases for (FIRS) and the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS). economic services fell by 17.7 per cent below its level in the first half of 2011 to N97.82 billion or 0.5 per cent of GDP and HOW IT WAS SHARED BETWEEN VARIOUS LEVELS accounted for 37.7 per cent of the total releases. Social and OF GOVERNMENT community services accounted for 15.3 per cent of the total but The sum of N2,624.68 billion was distributed to the three tiers of declined by 27.8 per cent from the level in the corresponding government from the Federation Account in the first half of 2012. period of 2011 to N39.62 billion or 0.2 per cent of GDP in the first The Federal Government received the sum of N1, 235.92 billion, half of 2012. The outlay on administration accounted for 43.8 per while the states and local governments collected N626.87 billion cent of the total and decreased by 4.7 per cent to N113.61 billion or and N483.29 billion, respectively. The balance of N278.60 billion 0.6 per cent of GDP. An overall total capital release at N259.25 was allocated to the 13% Derivation Fund for distribution among billion was 38.7 per cent of the proportionate budget estimate of the oil producing States. N669.99 billion in the first-half of 2012″.

A NEWSLETTER OF HDI-LGA BUDGET WATCH PROJECT Sponsored by Ford Foundation BUDGET DEFICIT AS A PERCENTAGE OF GDP Bad Roads: The issue of bad roads is the bane of the entire According to CBN ”The fiscal operations of the Federal Local Government and Council Development Areas within Government in the first half of 2012 resulted in an overall notional the Eti-Osa region. The bad roads identified within the month deficit of N281.82 billion or 1.5 per cent of GDP as against the of July and August include, Alagbon road, First Avenue and proportionate budget deficits of N568.10 billion or 3.0 per cent of Glover road junction in Ikoyi-Obalende LCDA as well as GDP and the deficit of N650.23 billion or 3.7 per cent of GDP Bishop Aboyade Cole Street and the Ligali Ayorinde by Muri recorded in the corresponding period of 2011. The deficit was Okunola roundabout in Iru-Victoria Island LCDA. It was noted that the local government keeps on patching the roads financed from domestic sources, mainly, the FGN Bonds”. which do not last for long before they go bad again.

MAKE YOUR DEMAND Water Supply: A resident Anitiri observed that the two What is yet to be reported in the analysis above are the details of boreholes constructed for Ilasan, Eti-Osa West housing estate government spending at the state and the local government level. are not functioning well and there is need to have more This is a call to everyone to get involved in the business of asking boreholes in the community. questions starting from your LGA in order to push your Executives to work. Stop complain, take positive actions. Curfew: The people of Takwa Bay in Iru Victoria Island LCDA complained that the curfew placed in the area in 2009, SPECIAL REPORT FROM ETI-OSA LGA BUDGET after the bomb explosion at the Atlas cove, is adversely WATCH GROUP: Challenges Facing The Local Government affecting the area, as they are unable to conveniently carry out their economic activities. They plead with the Federal In Eti-Osa Government to revisit the issue, as it will be four years in Like every other Local government Areas in Nigeria, citizens at February 2013. the grassroot always suffer the inefficient distribution and ineffective implementation of budget. Some of the fallouts of Flooding: The people of Takwa Bay noted that the dredging poor governance in Nigeria inform a special request by the and sand filling of the Atlantic Ocean are also affecting the residents of Eti-Osa to publish their concerns in the budget watch area as some communities like Agbogbo and Oko Ata are newsletter for this month. Having reviewed their letter, the usually flooded during high tide. It was also reported that half following issues are lifted from it: of the road at Obalende was flooded because of the ongoing road construction. It was noted that the water came from the Make your voice heard: Be a part of mosque at Obalende. Constraints: The Local government authority is yet to carry HDI-LGA Budget Watch Team out rehabilitation work on the bad roads mentioned.

CITIZENS' FEEDBACK EXTRACT FROM THE WEBSITE BELOW ARE REACTIONS FROM CITIZENS ACROSS THE COUNTRY 1. I greet you people of HDI and pray that God in his infinite mercy will protect you, amen. Please come to Badagry Local Govt to ask from the chairman what he has been doing with the allocations from government since the beginning of this year. Let us forget the past. we are not feeling the impact of the local government of Badagry. you must see the projects physically and not on paper. Thanks. From Badagry 2. Compliant about Ibafo Road. The road is in a deplorable condition. This is worst during rainy season especially children and pregnant women. The road is slippery, water logged The portholes are deeply filled with water. Ibafo (Orimerum, Temidire Quarters, Papa, Sote, Sowo, Toyin, Sefu Ota, etc. Obafemi Owode L.G.A). From Ibafo, Ogun State 3. Only Ilorin is ok in Kwara state and we all voted. Go to rural area and see it. You will think this are not part of Kwara State? From Kwara State

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FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, STATE AND LOCAL A breakdown of the country's revenue in the month of July GOVERNMENT SHARED N567.7 BILLION IN showed that mineral revenue accounted for N646.47 billion DECEMBER while the non-mineral revenue amounted to N178.92 billion. he Federation Accounts Allocation Committee In other months, FAAC recorded N666.32 for January, (FAAC) met again to approve the sharing of N766.77 in February, N726.77 in March and N626.17 for the TN567.708 billion for federal, states and local month of April. governments for December as against N572.895 billion in November 2012. According to a communiqué released at Also, a total of N586.91 billion was credited to the national the end of the FAAC meeting, the Federal Government got treasury in May, N763.55 billion in June and N564.88 billion N217.425 billion while states and local governments got for the month of August. Notably, the country recorded its N110.281billion and N85.022 billion respectively. N49.705 least revenue of N564.88billion in the month of August, billion went to the oil and mineral resources producing compared with figures recorded in the months of May, April states as 13 percent derivation. For the Value-Added Tax, and January, respectively. The Office of the Accountant- the gross revenue available for sharing was N57.535 billion General of the Federation, headed by Mr. Jonah Otunla, as against N62.723 billion distributed in the preceding computes the figures and distributed monthly revenue from month resulting in a decrease of N5.188 billion. For VAT the Federation Accounts to the three tiers of government. distribution, the Federal Government got N8.285 billion, states got N27.617 billion while Local governments got For your information, all these monies will keep coming and N19.332 billion. The gross revenue for the month N581.059 going the way they have always gone if you and I do not ask billion was higher than the N569.459 by N11.600 billion. how they are being managed. There is no good water in your This resulted from the higher export sales volume in area and you do not think it is the responsibility of your local November despite the effects of bunkering and maintenance government to provide you drinkable water? Yet directly or works on crude oil production and lifting. While N7.617 indirectly you pay taxes, it is time you begin to ask question. billion refunded by the NNPC was shared, the sum of N35.549 billion was proposed for distribution under the REPORT FROM BUDGET WATCH GROUPS Subsidy Reinvestment Programme (SURE-P). Edo: The groups from Oredo and Egor LGA reported that as at the time of writing this report, there was no project going on Nigeria has consistently recorded increase in revenue in the in the two LGAs. country. Unfortunately, there has been no evidence of this increase on common man. The revenue generated at the Ikoyi/Obalende (Eti-Osa LGA): The group reported on federal level is usually shared and disbursed to various their activities identifying roads that are in bad shape in the accounts for social and economic development. Revenue is LGA. The list of the roads include: Laggard road, Cameroun the sum of all profits made on investment, including those road, Olu Holloway road, Thompson avenue road, Ruxton resulting from the effort of you and me as citizens of the road, Bed Well road, and First avenue. They also reported country: the taxes and levies we pay, and the exchanges that letter of introduction were delivered to the Chairmen of coming from our collective natural resources. From the Eti-Osa LGA, Ikoyi-Obalende LCDA, and the Head of revenue, the federal government, the states and the local Budget Department, Ikoyi-Obalende LCDA in order to seek government get their allocations to run government pay for their cooperation on the project. salaries, and build infrastructure. In the first eight months, a data from the Federation Kwara: Road to Oja Gboro to Isale koko has not been Accounts Allocations Committee revealed that Nigeria attended to and all efforts to persuade the Ministry of Works to earned N5.5 trillion from mineral and non-mineral repair the road did not yield fruitful result. resources revenue this year 2012. The figures obtained also revealed that the country recorded the highest revenue of Ilorin West:- Henry George to Agbo-Oba road is yet to be N825.39 billion in July. Out of the total amount generated completed and work has stopped on the project. Isale Aluko during the period (between January and August) in 2012, a (Mustapha lane) Road is still on-going. A Broken down water total of N1.5 trillion was recorded to have been lodged into pipe along Pakata Road has led to the breaking of a culvert the Excess Crude Account (ECA). near the roundabout leading to heavy traffic concentration in the area. A NEWSLETTER OF HDI-LGA BUDGET WATCH PROJECT Sponsored by Ford Foundation FEDERAL MINISTRY OF FINANCE, ABUJA DISTRIBUTION DETAILS OF REVENUE ALLOCATION TO LOCAL GOVERNMENT COUNCILS BY FEDERATION ACCOUNT ALLOCATION COMMITTEE FOR THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER, 2012 SHARED IN DECEMBER, 2012 State S/N LGAs Gross Distribution Distribution Distribution Distribution Value Added Total Allocation Allocation of N59,139 of the sum of N230,854 of N150,000 Tax Billion from N7,617 Billion to three Billion from Foreign Billion being tiers of Non-Oil Excess Crude 16th Government Excess Savings Instalment Revenue to Account being of return by the three Augmentation NNPC tiers of For December Government 2012 Delta 1. Ughelli North 117,334,097.51 16,706,615.86 4,454,726.30 65,216,145.13 48,706,834.46 29,027,719.09 281,446,138.35 2. Uvwie 88,047,244.69 12,536,607.22 3,678,279.27 48,938,049.63 36,549,499.79 23,175,823.17 212,925,503.77 3. Warri North 92,722,654.68 13,202,315.49 3,409,518.37 51,536,716.37 38,490,320.28 20,728,936.06 220,090,461.26 4. Warri South-West 84,532,665.14 12,036,183.80 2,954,648.76 46,984,590.79 35,090,554.37 19,797,599.48 201,396,242.34

Edo 1. Egor 109,508,830.00 15,592,415.12 4,653,958.45 60,866,737.81 45,458,469.18 30,497,521.21 266,571,931.76 2. Esan Central 7 4,304,915.38 10,579,905.62 3.389.218.76 41.299,845.89 30,844,889.00 19,901,405.14 180,320,179.79 3. Etsako Central 76.404,667.52 10,878,878.83 2,662,538.00 42,466,921.31 31,716,522.07 19,416,517.50 183,546,045.24 4. Oredo 121,530,316.60 17,304,094.52 6,596,610.96 67,548,469.99 50,448,736.88 32.068.132.56 295,496,361.52

Enugu 1. Igbo Eze North 108,572,461.48 15,459,090.27 3,951,720.40 60,346,289.36 45,069,771.00 25,744,425.61 259,143.758.10 2. Igbo Eze South 83,485,741.67 11,887,117.60 2,947,918.51 46,402,894.19 34,655,963.49 20,680,861.74 200,060,297.20 3. Nkanu East 87,155,226.87 12,409,597.26 3,334,522.07 48,442.,252.04 36,179,212.16 20.746,175.90 208,266,986.31 4. Nkanu West 83,735,302.37 11,922,651.30 3.200,207.35 46,541,403.97 34,759,559.22 20,652,269.86 200,811,394.07 5. Nsukka 115,253,990.59 16,410,439.83 4,700,987.44 64,059,988.84 47,843,356.36 28,011,992.43 276,280,755.49

Kwara 1. Ilorin East 97,941,893.59 13,945,456.84 3,898,559.67 54,437,651.82 40,656,890.87 23,481.709.72 234,332,162.51 2. Ilorin South 94,319,710.63 13,429,712.31 3,934,516.80 52,424,385.30 39,153,277.95 23,679,594.47 226,941,197.46 3. Ilorin West 122,225,881.99 17,403.132.61 5,497,191.91 67,935,076.23 50,737,474.68 30,724,806.32 294,523,563.73 4. Oke-Ero 70,099,256,03 9,981,082.80 2,853,1)44.27 38,962,273.98 29,099,067.81 16,855,845.50 167,850,570.38

Lagos 1. Agege 129,543,685.19 18,445,078.04 4,693,177.72 72,002,426.86 53,775,185.26 171,279,954.31 449,739,507.38 2. Eti-Osa 104.568,647.10 14,889,007.16 3,841.101.74 58,120,906.11 43,407,738.18 163,503,955.58 388,331,355.88 3. Lagos Mainland 107,411,697.11 15,293,814.84 5,462,159.13 59,701,118.12 44,587,923.39 164,856,085.20 397,312,797.99 4. Shomolu 123,735,198.13 17,618,036.59 6,402,467.14 68,773,977.98 51,364,010.47 168,693.314.77 436,587,005S.08

Abuja 1. Gwagwalada 99,324,449.90 14,142,312.12 3,206,107.93 55,206,098.46 41,230,807.09 144,997,607.85 358.107.383.35

CITIZENS' FEEDBACK EXTRACT FROM THE WEBSITE BELOW ARE REACTIONS FROM CITIZENS ACROSS THE COUNTRY 1. Hello Sir, I listen to my radio dis morning heard u. Sir how can we join this group, because we are facing a lot in our area, ilogbo-eremi - Edo 2. We are yet to see your action as promised during campaign. We are waiting for your action. - Delta, Warri 3. Please make una create job. I want to work but work no dey. I beg - Edo, Benin City