Country Director of BudgIT Nigeria, Gabriel Okeowo, has said we must strengthen institutional partnership to battle graft.
He spoke when BudgIT Foundation, with support from Rule of Law and Anti Corruption (RoLAC) launched a project on strengthening institutional partnership for Anti Corruption Campaign and Service Delivery in Abuja, yesterday.
It is funded by European Union and implemented by International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance.
Okeowo, who said it was the second project launch, added BudgIT was only just implementing component three, which addresses strengthening anti-corruption systems.
He said though their organisation is known to call out the government, it is always in the interest of everyone.
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“Whatever we do, we are do in the interest of Nigerians, for Nigerians, and to support the work public sector is doing. Also, understand that the democracy is still young and it will require the efforts of all stakeholders, civil society organisations, media, citizens and government to advance democracy,” he said.
Director General of Bureau of Public Service Reforms, Dr Dasuki Arabi, lauded BudgIT for its commitment to deepen state and non-state actors’ collaboration, enhancing citizens’ empowerment, conduct research and communication strategy, as well as deployment of technologies to engage civil participation.
“This collaboration is essential and indicative of the will to pull together networks, resources and expertise to tackle challenges posed by corruption and house service delivery as well as fostering a culture of ethical governance.
“Corruption is a formidable impediment to social and economic process. It undermines privileges of fairness and justice, erodes public trust, and perpetuates poverty.
Nigeria, like other nations, has grappled with effects of corruption, and this culminated in efforts by successful administrations to face up with the challenge of redeeming the country’s image,” he said.
Chair of Fiscal Responsibility Commission, Victor Muruako, and Chair of Code of Conduct Bureau, Dr Abdullahi Bello, lauded the initiative and expressed their commitment to support it.
Others present are Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission as well as stakeholders from three states.
Adamawa, Anambra and Kano States, among others.