By Olimatou Coker
Budget expert and Executive Director of the Center for Budget and Macroeconomic Transparency (CBMT), Lamin Dibba, has called on government to give citizens a greater voice in the national budget-making process.
Dibba made the call on Monday at a two-day civil society scrutiny of the 2027 Executive Budget Proposal held at Bakadaji Hotel in Kololi.
The workshop, organised by CBMT in collaboration with over 20 Civil Society Organisations under its project “Strengthening Democratic Governance through Public Participation” funded by the European Union, aims to deepen CSO involvement in the budget approval process and promote inclusive, participatory decision-making.
During the workshop, CSO representatives reviewed the draft 2027 national budget to make observations and recommendations that will be formally submitted to the National Assembly for consideration before final passage.
Dibba said citizens must not only be informed about government spending after decisions are taken, but must be consulted before major budgetary decisions are made.
“Citizens should not only be informed about government spending after decisions have been made, but should have opportunities to contribute to discussions on national priorities and the allocation of public resources,” Dibba said.
He argued that public participation ensures government priorities reflect the real needs and concerns of the population and builds public trust.
Dibba also stressed the need for transparency and accountability in the management of public funds, urging authorities to strengthen mechanisms that allow citizens to track and understand how national resources are used.
His call comes amid growing national debate over public participation, accountability and transparency in governance.
He said meaningful citizen engagement in budget formulation will ensure public spending responds to the country’s most pressing needs — health, education, agriculture and youth employment — rather than elite priorities.
According to CBMT, the programme will amplify the voices of civil society and the broader citizenry, improve budget monitoring and advocacy, and provide tangible recommendations to lawmakers to ensure the 2027 budget is people-centered.