After noting with concern that citizens in Nigeria do not have access to reliable mechanisms to properly scrutinise the national budget, economist Tolu Olarewaju conducted research focused on budget transparency, corruption and digital public‑monitoring systems in the country.

The research further highlighted challenges associated with the citizens’ portal created and operated by the country’s Budget Office of the Federation, which is reportedly often offline. The study argues that limited access to budget information undermines the social contract between citizens and government.

Dr Tolu Olarewaju, an Economist, Researcher and Lecturer in management at Keele University, now joins us to share more insight.