Biu LG engages stakeholders on budget participation

Biu Local Government Area of Borno State, in collaboration with Yaharakari Women and Youth Empowerment Foundation (YWYEF) and Oxfam, has engaged stakeholders to strengthen citizens’ participation in budgeting.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the engagement was organised under the Social and Economic Participation of Returnees, Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and host communities in North-East programme.

The programme, known as SEPIN SUSI, is being implemented in three councils in Borno and Adamawa states to promote social cohesion, community development and sustainable livelihoods.

Chairman of the council, Alhaji Mai-Sule Abubakar, said the engagement, held in Biu town on Wednesday, was the first of its kind in the area.

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Abubakar said the initiative was designed to enhance citizens’ participation in budgeting processes and strengthen grassroots development through inclusive planning and community engagement.

He stated that citizens’ participation in budgeting was critical to inclusive growth at the council, pledging to implement frameworks reviewed and generated during the stakeholder engagement.

Also, Mr Tijjani Hamza, Oxfam Country Director in Nigeria, represented by Mr Samuel Lashom, Project Coordinator, said the engagement was important for building trust between communities.

Hamza said a budget was not merely a financial document but a direct reflection of people’s priorities, needs and aspirations within their communities and local governments.