The CSO Budget Implementation Assessment Monitoring and Evaluation Committee (CBIAMEC) has inaugurated its newly elected executives with a renewed commitment to strengthening budget monitoring, promoting transparency and ensuring that government spending translates into tangible benefits for Nigerians.
The inauguration and oath-taking ceremony, held on Friday, brought together members of Civil society organizations and other stakeholders to chart a stronger course for public finance accountability and effective monitoring of government programs and projects.
In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Mr Christopher Ofomhi, said the committee was established to assess government functions and budget implementation while ensuring that public authorities fulfill their responsibilities to citizens.
He said the committee would not limit its activities to Abuja or documentation of government budgets, but would monitor how funds allocated to critical sectors such as healthcare, social welfare and other public services are actually utilised.
According to him, CBIAMEC’s responsibility includes monitoring implementation, identifying gaps, advocating improved outcomes and working with relevant stakeholders to strengthen accountability in public finance.
He stressed that civil society organisations must go beyond recording budgetary allocations to verifying whether the funds are released, projects implemented and services delivered to the people.
Ofomhi stated that the inauguration of the new executives was aimed at strengthening public finance accountability and recognizing emerging approaches to governance and citizen participation.
Also speaking, former chairman, Mr Splendour Agbonkpolor, emphasized the need for CBIAMEC to develop practical solutions to longstanding challenges in project monitoring.
He said the committee must expand its operations beyond the Federal Capital Territory and establish effective monitoring mechanisms across the country’s 774 local government areas.
Comrade Splendor noted that such expansion would enable the organization to identify implementation gaps and lapses in government programs at the grassroots, where citizens directly experience the impact of public policies and expenditure.
The event proceeded with the administration of the oath of office, during which the newly elected executives formally pledged their commitment to the responsibilities entrusted to them.
The oath, which is anchored by Barr. Joseph Ndaguba, relied on the adopted CBIAMEC Charter and its guiding principles, formally marked the commencement of the new executives’ tenure.
In his acceptance speech, the newly elected National Coordinator, Mr Patrick Ogheneyero onomuodeke, described his appointment as a call to service rather than merely a position.
He pledged to lead the committee with responsibility and commitment towards ensuring that public resources are properly managed and that government spending produces measurable improvements in the lives of Nigerians.
Mr. Oghenenyero said CBIAMEC would focus on asking critical questions about government budgets, including whether funds were released, whether projects were delivered according to required standards and whether such projects ultimately improved the lives of the intended beneficiaries.
He outlined six key priorities for his administration: strengthening budget monitoring; producing evidence-based reports backed by credible assessments; improving citizens’ understanding of government budgets and policies; promoting transparency and accountability; building members’ capacity in budget monitoring; and deploying technology and data to track government activities and expenditure.
Ogheneyero said the committee would also work constructively with government institutions to improve budget implementation strategies rather than limiting its activities to criticism.
He pledged to remain accountable, loyal and functional in office while providing constructive criticism where necessary, with the support of the newly inaugurated executive members.
A government representative, Comrade Solomon Adodo, commended the role of civil society organisations in promoting accountability in public expenditure.
Comrade Adodo, said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would welcome effective mechanisms that ensure government allocations reach their designated beneficiaries and are utilized for their intended purposes across the country.
He expressed the government’s appreciation for the contribution of civil society organisations and acknowledged the importance of CBIAMEC’s role in promoting transparency and accountability.
In a goodwill message, Comrade Okpanachi Jacob urged the new executives to intensify their efforts and pursue reforms capable of producing measurable and lasting impact.
He challenged the leadership to address outstanding issues confronting the committee and ensure that its interventions result in changes that can be documented and sustained over time.
The President of Civil Society Groups for Good Governance, (CSGGG) Comrade Dominic Ogakwu in his closing remarks, charged the new executives to uphold the committee’s motto and remain committed to accountability and due diligence throughout their tenure.
Ogakwu, while congratulating the new executives, urged them to work closely with their predecessors and take advantage of their experience and institutional knowledge, particularly through structured training and mentorship.
He also pledged to sponsor the first day of training for the newly inaugurated executives to strengthen their understanding of their responsibilities and prepare them for effective service
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