NITDA, ICPC launch digital transparency initiative for 774 LGAs
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
The National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC have launched a digital platform to promote transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s 774 local government areas, beginning with a pilot scheme in Nasarawa State.
The initiative, tagged the Local Government Website Pilot Initiative, is designed to enable citizens to access information on council allocations, budgets, expenditure, procurement processes, projects and service delivery through dedicated websites.
Speaking at the launch in Nasarawa State, Governor Abdullahi Sule reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to openness and accountability in local government administration, declaring that residents would have access to information on funds received and how they were spent.
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He said, “Once funds are received, the people will know what was received, when it was received, and how it is being utilised.”
Sule said transparency went beyond publishing government records, noting that citizens should be empowered to monitor projects, access information on government activities and participate in decisions affecting their communities.
The governor said the initiative aligned with his administration’s commitment to citizen-centred governance and effective management of public resources.
The Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, described the project as a technology-driven intervention aimed at strengthening grassroots governance and bringing government closer to the people.
He said the initiative was not merely about building websites but establishing digitally enabled local governments that would be transparent, accountable and responsive to the needs of residents.
“We are not simply building websites. We are laying the foundation for digitally empowered local governments that are transparent, accountable, responsive and connected to the people they serve,” Inuwa said.
According to him, the initiative will also create economic opportunities by engaging local technology talents to develop, manage and sustain the digital platforms.
He explained that the agency’s broader objective was to facilitate the digital transformation of all 774 local government areas to improve service delivery and enhance citizens’ experience with government institutions.
The ICPC Chairman, Dr Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, described the initiative as a significant step towards promoting accountability and preventing corruption at the grassroots, particularly with the advancement of local government autonomy.
Aliyu said transparency must accompany autonomy, stressing that access to public information was essential to ensuring responsible management of resources at the local government level.
He said the proposed websites would enable residents to monitor public spending, track projects, obtain relevant governance information and engage with their local councils.
The ICPC chairman added that transparency should not be regarded as a punitive measure against public officials but as a mechanism for building public trust, improving service delivery and strengthening responsible governance.
Nasarawa State is expected to serve as a model for the nationwide implementation of the initiative, which will eventually extend to all 774 local government areas.
The collaboration between NITDA and ICPC is expected to provide citizens with digital access to information on the activities of local councils and strengthen public oversight of grassroots administration.
