The Nigeria Accountability Summit (NAS) 2023 stood as a watershed moment in the nation’s pursuit of good governance and sustainable development. As both national and subnational governments implement and contemplate policies to reposition the Nigerian economy, citizens’ bear the immediate brunt of these decisions, all the while hoping for lasting positive outcomes. Yet, the crucial link lies in the accountability of public administrators in implementing these policies for the collective well-being and positive societal transformation.

As citizens grapple with the immediate consequences, the call for transparency and accountability in public administration becomes not just relevant but imperative. It is this pressing need that propelled PLSI and its implementing partners to organize this crucial Summit, marking the commencement of the annual convening.

NAS 2023 brought together policy actors, field experts and stakeholders from national and subnational levels to scrutinize social, financial, political, administrative, ethical, and legal accountability challenges hindering effective public administration in Nigeria and forged consensus on feasible solutions to surmount these challenges. This year’s maiden edition, hosted at the prestigious Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja on Thursday, November 30, 2023, was a collaborative effort led by the Paradigm Leadership Support Initiative (PLSI), in partnership with BudgIT Foundation, Connected Development (CODE), Dataphyte, Agora Policy, Accountability Lab Nigeria, Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC), Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), Step Up Nigeria, Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), and the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Foundation.

Focusing on the intricate challenges woven into Nigeria’s governance fabric, the platform emerged as a catalyst for change, acknowledging the urgent necessity for systemic reforms to uphold accountability and fortify public trust.

Speaking at the event, the keynote speaker Alhaji A.G. Abubakar emphasized that “In the realm of public administration, accountability is not merely a duty; it is a profound responsibility that those in public service owe to the citizens they serve. It is the cornerstone upon which the trust between the government and the governed is built. According to him, any society that successfully institutionalized the six domains of accountability discussed at the event has achieved an enviable feat in terms of public administration and accountability.

Additionally, Sen. Kashim Shettima (GCON), the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in his goodwill message, emphasized that effective public administration requires not just the dedication of individuals but the establishment of strong systems that will ensure accountability at every level of governance. He further explained that it is imperative to foster an environment where public servants will be answerable for their actions and decisions for the allocation of available resources. He reaffirmed the need for commitment and urged stakeholders to commit to strengthening institutions, enhancing oversight mechanisms and embrace technologies that will promote transparency and accountability so as to rebuild trust between the government and the people and foster a collaborative effort for the benefit of the society.

The Chairman of the Nigeria’s Governors Forum (NGF), represented by Alhaji Abdulrazaq Barkindo, Director, Media and Public Relations at the NGF reiterated that “We must first achieve a stable and accountable system of public administration at the subnational level in order to create a cumulative positive outcome at the center.”

In attendance at the event were notable paper presenters and panelists including Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman, Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms; Engr. Yabagi Sani, National Chairman, Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC); Chief Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), Minister of Justice and Attorney-General for the Federation; Ms. Patience Oniha, Director-General, Debt Management Office; and Mr. Gabriel Okeowo, Country Director at BudgIT Foundation.

The Summit’s outcomes, observations, and recommendations resonated across the nation, sparking waves of action, and laying the foundation for transformative initiatives. Key recommendations from the Summit as highlighted in the Communiqué include:

• Empower Oversight Mechanisms: Strengthen regulators and oversight bodies by providing necessary resources, authority, and autonomy for effective monitoring and enforcement.
• Merit-Based Governance: Implement merit-based criteria for appointments and promotions within governmental bodies. This fosters trust by ensuring qualified individuals hold positions, promoting competence in public administration.
• Enhance Legal Framework: Develop action plans to improve the justice system’s capacity, including court efficiency, legal procedures, and timely dispute resolution. Strengthening the legal framework is crucial for accountability in public administration.
• Tech-Enabled Civic Engagement: Digitize government processes to enhance accessibility and transparency. Utilize technology for citizen engagement, feedback gathering, and communication, fostering responsiveness and reinforcing the governance structure.
• Citizens’ Power to Recall: Enable citizens to exercise their constitutional right to recall non-performing legislators. This mechanism ensures elected representatives remain accountable, promoting better governance and responsiveness.
• Strategic Tax Policies: Create sound policies addressing specific challenges, focusing on transparent tax classifications, and removing small, burdensome taxes. Establish a clear threshold for taxpayers to enhance fiscal transparency.
• Transparent Governance Analysis: Conduct adequate analysis of governance activities and communicate findings to citizens. Transparency in government actions strengthens accountability and builds trust with the public.
• Law Enforcement and Judicial Improvement: Improve law enforcement and the judicial system to ensure effective checks and balances in government. This step contributes to a more accountable and transparent public administration.
• Democratic Institution Reinforcement: Strengthen key institutions like the judiciary, electoral bodies, and anti-corruption agencies. These institutions are vital for upholding the rule of law, ensuring fair elections, and combating corruption.
• Media Independence and Accountability: Encourage independence within the newsroom to combat misinformation. Establish and enforce guidelines to ensure responsible reporting, contributing to an informed public and accountability.
• Institutionalized Consequence Management: Establish a framework for consequence management to address transparency and accountability in Nigeria systematically. This ensures that actions have appropriate consequences, reinforcing a culture of accountability.

Explore further insights about the Summit by visiting this link.