Donor countries World Bank, others to monitor 2017 budget

Foreign countries and global financial institutions like the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) are now to monitor the implementation of the 2017 budget to ensure proper application of funds to projects. The Netherlands, United Kingdom, United States, China and other development partners have shown concerns over the budget, The Guardian learnt. 

One major reason for international interest in Nigeria’s budget this year is the humanitarian crisis affecting about 15 million Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the North East of Nigeria amidst alleged diversion of funds allocated for their upkeep. Recent concerns on the implementation of Nigeria’s budget is connected to allegations of misappropriation of donor funds and the Federal Government’s N1.3 billion intervention to the IDPs. Netherlands reportedly donated €5.3 million to the 176,000 IDPs in the North East. To ensure effective utilisation of the money, the Dutch government is working with four Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) – Save the Children, Oxfam Novib, Stichting Vluchteling/IRC and Tearfund. 

They are mandated to implement the Nigeria Joint Response (NJR) to support the country in tackling humanitarian crisis. Global Humanitarian Assistance record 2016 shows that the UK has pledged about £12 billion on foreign aid, including girl-child education in northern Nigeria. This project is to be monitored by DFID consultants in Nigeria. 

(Guardian)