An NGO, Socio Economic Research and Development Centre (SERDEC), has called on Government at all levels to embrace the spirit of accountability and transparency in budgeting process.

The SERDEC National Coordinator for the launch of the North Central States Budget Transparency Survey Report 2020, Mr Tijani Abdulkareem, made the call during the stakeholders forum held on Saturday in Lokoja.

According to him, the stakeholders forum is usually put in place every two years by SERDEC to evaluate states’ survey on accountability and transparency in budgeting process.

He said the target was aimed at bringing stakeholders together to see workable avenues in building accountability and transparency in budgeting.

Abdulkareem said that more need to be done by government at all levels in ensuring involvement of public participation in the budgeting process.

“Openness, enlightenment and engagement of citizens in budgeting process is highly desirable and will serve as an effective feedback mechanism” Abdulkareem said.

Speaking at the forum, the Kogi State Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Mr Asiwaju Idris, urged NGOs to surport the state government in its development efforts through effective contributions to the budgeting process.

The commissioner assured that the state government would continue to partner relevant NGOs and Donor Agencies for accelerated development of the state.

Idris disclosed that the Ten years Development Plan of the present administration in the state would give priority to education, health, agriculture and job creation sectors as well as youth and women empowerment.

He expressed delight that the present administration since inception, had judiciously utilised all the monies that had accrued to the government for the benefit of humanity. (NAN)