The Center for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has developed an android application, “Office Of The Citizens” for interaction in governance in Bauchi State.
Malam Isah Garba, CITAD Senior Programmes Officer stated this while briefing newsmen on Thursday in Bauchi.
Garba said the app could serve as an interface between residents, public officers and legislators in the state.
“It is a platform where citizens can effectively participate in decision making and improve transparency and accountability in the state,” he said.
According to him, It is currently available on Android Play Store with the name “office of the citizens” and can be downloaded and used by every resident in Bauchi state to send reports on project implementations in their communities.
“Where the response of the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning is needed, there is an interface through chatting that any user can ask questions and responses will be provided either instantly or when the responses are available.”
Garba added that the state budget documents released by the ministry of budget and economic planning would be uploaded on the app so that users could easily access the documents from the app.
“Alternatively, the users can access the platform using any browser through https://bauchibudgettracker.com.ng/,” he said.
He said the CITAD platform would strengthen residents’ participation in governance process in Bauchi state.
“It focuses on building the capacity of the legislators, public officers and civil society activists in the state to be able to work together to promote effective residents’ participation in the governance process of the state.
“The project works in six local government areas of the state namely; Alkaleri, Bauchi, Katagum, Misau, Ningi, and Toro LGAs with special focus on Basic Education, Procurement, Freedom of Information and Budgetary process,” he said.
Garba urged civil society organisations and community based organisations that are the voice and eyes of residents in the state to download the App.
“Utilise the App as well as sensitise partners on reporting project implementations at community levels for government to get on the spot report on projects for tracking, monitoring and ensure value for money and effective service delivery,” the programme officer said. (NAN)
