BudgIT Foundation has publicly accused the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation of failing to obey the Freedom Of Information Act after its request for federal expenditure records exceeded the legal response window. The civic group submitted a request for the release of spending data from January 1, 2025 to date, but more than seven days have passed without a reply.
It warned that the delay undermines transparency and weakens public trust. “It is over 7 days since our FOI requesting the release of federal government expenditure data from January 1, 2025 till date was submitted to your office. This has surpassed the 7 days statutory response period provided under the FOI Act, 2011,” BudgIT stated.
The group said taxpayers deserve answers and clarity on how public money is being used. “Taxpayers are demanding proper accountability and full disclosure of where the monies are going into and for what purpose,” it emphasised. The reminder, tagged Urgent Attention OAUG, was also addressed to the Federal Ministry of Justice to increase pressure for compliance. BudgIT added, “Your prompt attention to provide this information is crucial to fostering public trust and upholding open governance.”
The original request, dated November 17, 2025 and listed under reference CAC/IT/NO.:85546 and TRX/FOI/OAGF/011, was sent to Dr. Shamsedeen B. Ogunjimi, the Accountant General of the Federation, at Treasury House in Abuja. In its letter, BudgIT introduced itself as a civic tech organisation focused on improving transparency, accountability, and service delivery in Nigeria. It said, “BudgIT uses creative technology to simplify public information, stimulate a community of active citizens, and enable their right to demand accountability, institutional reforms, efficient service delivery, and an equitable society.”
The organisation further highlighted Tracka, a program within BudgIT dedicated to helping communities monitor government funded projects. According to the letter, Tracka supports citizens with tools, training, and technology to keep track of projects and ensure they are delivered as planned. “By fostering transparency and citizen participation, Tracka ensures that budgeted infrastructures are executed on time, to specification, and with full accountability,” BudgIT explained.
The group reminded the Accountant General that his office carries responsibility for federal accounts and reporting under legal frameworks such as the Finance (Control and Management) Act and the Fiscal Responsibility Act.
However, BudgIT expressed concern over missing updates on the OAGF website and the Open Treasury Portal. It noted delayed or absent publication of spending records weakens public oversight, especially since the funds come from taxes, revenue, and borrowings.
To improve access to financial data, BudgIT requested a breakdown of federal expenditures from January 1 to November 17, 2025. The information sought includes spending by ministries and agencies, project descriptions, beneficiaries, amounts, dates, and payment codes. The group said it preferred the data in machine readable formats such as Excel or CSV files.
BudgIT closed its letter saying, “Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. We look forward to your positive response and continued commitment to transparent governance,” while its public statement insisted that citizens are entitled to full disclosure and accountability.
