Business
Budget: UNDP Doles Out N4.5m To EFCC
The (EFCC), Economic and finance crimes commissionhas
received N4.5 million grant from the UNDP to collaborate with Civil Society
Organisations (CSOs) to monitor budget implementation and check corruption in
Cross River State.
Mr Gabriel Aduda, the Head of Strategy and Reorientation
Unit of the EFCC, disclosed this in Calabar at a town hall meeting on
‘Governance Accountability Programme’ (GAP).
He said the grant was aimed at enhancing participation in
town hall meetings with stakeholders for effective and efficient budget
implementation in the state.
“The grant is about N4.5 million and funded by the UNDP.
“What we intend to do is to ensure better participation so
that there will be more town hall meetings, legislative intervention and more
engagement with the people for effective and efficient budget implementation.’’
Aduda said the programme was to increase the engagement of
the citizens, CSOs, Community Associations and the media in discussing and
disseminating citizens’ views and priorities on budget processes.
“The grant is also meant to build synergy between and within
citizens, the executive arm of government and the legislature to ensure that
the budget delivers on its promises in line with citizens’ aspirations.’’
The EFCC official said the programme would be carried out in
six pilot states in the six geographical zones of the country.
Adamawa, saying that
the GAP was a programme under the prevention mandate of the EFCC.
“We believe that with better and closer scrutiny on the use
of public funds by the citizenry and benefiting communities, avenues for waste
and misappropriations will be minimised.’’
He stressed the need for stakeholders, spirited individuals,
community associations and CSOs to monitor budget implementation at the
grassroots