ActionAid Nigeria and stakeholders in support of Prevention of Violent Extremism (PVE) in Kogi state Monday called on the state government to channel its budgets toward addressing drivers of violent extremism in order to have a peaceful society.
The ActionAid Nigeria, Resilience Programme Coordinator, SARVE II project, Mr Anicetus Atakpu, made the call while giving the summary analysis of public spending in the prevention of violent extremism in Kogi and Nasarawa state at a one – day policy dialogue with CSO’s and media in Lokoja Monday.
He lamented that the higher allocation for renovation and purchase of vehicles indicated that higher priority was given to projects with a week multiplier effect in terms of job creation and social redistribution when compared to those that would create jobs and empower young people.
He said the capital budgets of the Government House of states and the offices of their deputy governor have the higher allocation for youth – focused projects than the ministries of youth.
He added that government does not mention the location where the projects will be carried out thereby leaving the implementation of the projects to the discretion of the executive governor and his deputy.
“Despite the increase in allocation to sectors that can address the contextual factors that fuel violent extremism, government allocation to key projects and programmes in Kogi and Nasarawa states do not allow for accountability, follow up and monitoring.
“Projects in Nasarawa and Kogi states 2021 budget are mostly for construction, establishment and rehabilitation of centres,” he said.
Atakpu expressed concern over the allocation to projects that does not effectively address social economic ills that are at the root cause of persistent cases of violent extremism, adding that there is need to engage state legislators and the executive arm of government on how the public procurement process of the states will be engendered to serve as a useful advocacy and stakeholder engagement activity.
“As an activity, there is need to engender the public procurement process and ensure that projects meant for young people or excluded groups are handled by them to allow inclusion and shared prosperity.
“The budget preparation process should give priority to citizens’ participation and involvement. This will allow for a bottom up approach to budget and oversight,” he advised.