The Jigawa State Government and the British High Commission have signed the Jigawa Mutual Accountability Framework (JiMAF), a blueprint for socio-economic development covering economic transformation, Governance, Health, Education and Social Protection
The framework formed the basis for the dialogue, with both parties setting out their commitments and ways to hold each other mutually accountable.
The British High Commission to Nigeria Development Director, Christopher Pycroft and representatives from the British High Commission, in a two-day parley held on the 15 and 16 June, held strategic talks to finalise modalities on the JiMAF.
At the strategic dialogue, the FCDO Development Director, Christopher Pycroft stated that the strategic Dialogue to discuss our mutual accountability commitments affords us all the opportunity to do more. Jigawa State faces many challenges on the road to sustainable development – but this JiMAF is a call to action. We can use this strategic dialogue to discuss what both sides can do differently to deliver more results for the people of Jigawa state and empower them to fulfil their potential.”
During the dialogue, technical sessions were held to identify constraints and opportunities and how best FCDO Nigeria can support the Jigawa State Government to address them.
In recognising Jigawa’s budget transparency performance, Pycroft commended the Jigawa State Government for coming out tops in the States’ Budget Transparency Index 2020 ranking.
“Let me recognise and commend your sterling performance on Budget transparency – coming top among 36 States on Budget Transparency Index 2020 ranking.
“I urge you to keep up the good work in your fiscal and budget transparency and accountability to the citizens of Jigawa state. This is such an important element in building the social contract between the government and the people.
“Please continue to open up and involve the citizens in your budgetary process, with a focus on meeting citizens agreed and identified needs.
“The UK is absolutely delighted to have supported Jigawa state through this process over the last three editions of SFTAS (States Fiscal Transparency, Accountability, and Sustainability) implementation in Jigawa State.
“We supported it because we believe budget transparency matters and the way it matters about the citizens, and how they trust the government on how all these monies get used.”
Jigawa State Governor, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, explained that with the new policy, the state would work with the development partners for its full implementation and will not relent until the set objectives are achieved, which is aimed at delivering good governance to the people of Jigawa state.
FCDO Nigeria has played a strong role over the past 20 years in the development and growth of Jigawa and will continue to partner with the state for a sustainable, empowered, and accountable development path for its people.
Jigawa State is one of the three partner states of FCDO Nigeria – the others being Kano and Kaduna States.
The first strategic dialogue with Jigawa State was held in August 2019.
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