In a landmark move to strengthen transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance, the Ebonyi State Government, in collaboration with the Development and Integrity Intervention Goal (DIG) Foundation, has officially launched the Ebonyi State Citizens’ Budget Engagement Strategy.
The unveiling of the document on Monday marks a significant shift in the state’s fiscal governance framework, institutionalising citizens’ participation in planning, budgeting, and monitoring processes.
Speaking at the launch, the State Commissioner for Budget, Planning, Research and Monitoring, Mrs. Deborah Chinwe Oka, described the strategy as a critical milestone in the state’s reform journey toward participatory governance.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Lady Rose Ugwuoma Ibeh, the Commissioner emphasised that the framework goes beyond policy articulation to provide a practical mechanism for sustained citizen engagement.
She noted that budgeting should not be viewed merely as a technical exercise, but as a social contract between government and the people. According to her, the strategy creates structured channels through which citizens’ voices can be integrated into public financial decision-making.
“This framework is designed to institutionalise and sustain reforms that place citizens at the centre of governance. It ensures that public resources are aligned with the priorities and aspirations of the people,” she said.
The Commissioner commended the DIG Foundation, members of the technical committee, and other stakeholders for their professionalism and commitment in developing what she described as a forward-looking and comprehensive document.
She also acknowledged the contributions of the Ministries of Finance and Budget, as well as civil society organisations (CSOs), whose advocacy and grassroots engagement enriched the strategy.
She stressed that the launch signals the beginning of a more inclusive governance process and called on all stakeholders including government institutions, civil society, the private sector, and citizens to take ownership of the framework and ensure its effective implementation.
In his remarks, the Executive Director of DIG Foundation, Chief Oliver Ajah Chima, traced the evolution of citizen engagement in Ebonyi State’s budgeting process, highlighting years of collaboration between civil society and government institutions.
He cited interventions by development partners, including the World Bank-supported State Fiscal Transparency, Accountability and Sustainability (SFTAS) programme, the Open Government Partnership (OGP), and the USAID State2State project, as instrumental in building momentum for participatory governance in the state.
According to him, the absence of a formal, standardised framework for citizen participation across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) necessitated the development of the strategy.
“Prior to this, citizen engagement largely depended on the discretion of individual MDAs, with no documented procedures or institutional backing. This strategy addresses that gap by providing a clear and sustainable framework,” he explained.
Chima further noted that the initiative aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 16, which promotes inclusive institutions, accountability, and responsive governance.
He added that it also consolidates existing reform efforts, including the Community Charter of Demand (CCD), while reinforcing the state government’s People’s Charter of Needs agenda under Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru.
Also speaking, the Project Consultant, Dr. Ibiam Azu, underscored the importance of institutionalising citizen engagement as part of a broader drive toward self-reliance and sustainable governance.
He urged community-based organisations and CSO networks to leverage the framework to ensure that grassroots priorities are reflected in both state and local government budgets.
Goodwill messages from key stakeholders, including government officials, traditional institutions, and community leaders, underscored widespread support for the initiative.
They pledged to mobilise citizens and deepen awareness to ensure effective utilisation of the strategy.
The event, held in Abakaliki, drew participants from across the state’s local government areas, including representatives of MDAs, civil society groups, community associations, and the media.
