DEVELOPING A PARTICIPATORY GOVERNANCE FRAMEWORK FOR ENHANCING CITIZEN ENGAGEMENT IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT BUDGETING PROCESSES IN ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The necessity of inclusive governance in developing countries has highlighted the need to have systems that will encourage the people to participate in the decision-making process in the country especially in the fiscal processes. This paper proposes a participatory governance system that would be used to strengthen citizen participation in the local government budgets in Anambra State, Nigeria. Based on the mixed methodology, the study evaluates the existing levels of participation, determines the obstacles, and develops a context-driven framework wherein indigenous institutions including town unions and market associations are incorporated. The study, which was conducted in Onitsha North, Awka South, and Nnewi North Local Government Areas, sampled 150 respondents using a purposive approach, where there were 50 participants (citizens), 50 participants (community leaders) as well as 50 participants (officials). Responses to questionnaires in the form of quantitative information indicated that awareness (mean 2.1 on a 5-point scale) and engagement (28% said they participated) were only low, and the systematic information obtained through six focus group discussions showed that the barriers (elite capture, information asymmetry, and cultural norms) were the issues. The suggested framework focuses on transparency through platforms of multi stakeholders, capacity building, and digital tools. Feasibility was determined through stakeholder workshops and 82 percent was endorsed. Participants were mainly male (68%), of average age (45) between 35 and 55, secondary (54%), which represented the socio-economic characteristics of Anambra. The information on informed consent and confidentiality was provided through ethical protocols. This theory helps in the field of administration, by providing a lag between theory and practice in the aspect of decentralized administration in Nigeria, which enhances accountability and sustainable growth. Results indicate that customized participatory frameworks have the potential of reducing the deficits of existing governance that enables the marginalized populations as these support sustainable development objectives across the world. To scale impact it is recommended to adopt policies and pilot further.