DEAN Initiative hosted a one-day Citizens’ Open Dialogue session to promote Participatory Budgeting and Planning (PBP) and reinforce the core co-creation principles of the Open Government Partnership (OGP). The event was attended by representatives from various organizations and Steering Committee members from Kwali, AMAC, and Gwagwalada Area Councils. The participants engaged in meaningful discussions on community participation and the implementation of PBP. The dialogue was well received and garnered positive feedback from the participants.

Challenges identified during the dialogue emphasize that the transfer of power between governments often interrupts the budgeting process, which impairs long-term planning and implementation. In addition, there are often disagreements between civil servants responsible for budget formulation and political leaders over the methodologies and priorities to be pursued, causing inefficiencies and delays. Limited financial and human resources pose significant barriers to implementing robust participatory budgeting and planning processes, particularly at the local level. Some stakeholders believe that budgeting is a sensitive process that should not be subject to public scrutiny. They advocate for limited transparency and minimal public input. There is also a highlight of resistance to change as civil servants are accustomed to the old methods of budget planning and prefer the status quo.

Opportunities noted were that Participatory Budgeting and Planning (PBP) encourages citizens to come up with proposals for public projects, which are then evaluated by a committee. PBP promotes transparency and accountability in government spending, builds trust between the government and its citizens, and empowers citizens to have a direct impact on the development of their communities. Experts suggest that PBP should be adopted by governments at all levels as a powerful tool for promoting democracy and civic engagement.

The thrust of the initiative is hailed as a transformative approach to democratization, the PBP Initiative holds promise for empowering citizens through meaningful participation and ensuring resources are allocated based on community needs. However, its success hinges on both strong political will to drive adoption and implementation, and a commitment to a people-centric approach that prioritizes grassroots engagement and community-led initiatives in shaping policy and decision-making processes.

Overall, Participatory Budgeting and Planning is a crucial concept that deserves widespread attention and support. By involving citizens in the decision-making process, we can create more inclusive and equitable societies, where everyone has a voice and a stake in the future.

At the Citizens’ Open Dialogue, stakeholders exchanged views on Participatory Budgeting and Planning. PBP has the potential to promote inclusive and accountable governance at the local level. However, continuous efforts are needed to overcome challenges and maximize opportunities for effective implementation. Participants acknowledged the value of the event and agreed on the need for consistent and sustained efforts to achieve success.