The Role of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Strengthening the Budgeting Process in Nigeria: AStudy of the 9th National Assembly

Abstract

This research sought to examine the accountability works of Civil Society Organizations in strengthening the budget process in the National Assembly in Nigeria and to identify the varying factors militating against the openness and transparency of the budget processes in the Legislature. The objective of this research centered on the examination of the accountability works of the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in strengthening the budget process in the National Assembly in Nigeria, identifying the factors militating against the budget processes in the Legislature in Nigeria, and accessing the methods and measures CSOs can deploy to influence the operations of budgeting in the National Assembly. In x-raying these objectives, the researcher deployed both primary and secondary sources of data and the methodology for data collection was through the use of questionnaires and interviews. Analysis of the same was done using descriptive statistics. The data was tested using decision criteria of Likert scales and survey research design. The Findings from this research shows that there are factors that need to be put in place for CSOs to deliver on their accountability mandate as regards budgeting. Also,the lack of the relevant bureaucratic support from the administration of the Legislature and the inability of the CSOs to have well trained staff to follow through with the technical job of budget monitoring and fiscal Documentations have greatly affected their delivery in this regard. The art of Lobbying, Negotiations and bureaucratic tact are inadequate in the approach of CSOs to legislators and elected representatives, which in turn stunts their results The study recommended focus networking among civil society groups to aid training of cadres in grassroots mobilization and advocacy diversification of sources of funding through creative revenue generation activities; and the need to coordinate and control the NGO phenomena in order to reduce excessive reliance on foreign grants, this will help the COs to be able to do their job without fear or favor and at the same time helps in strengthening budget process in Nigeria.