BudgIT, a prominent civic-tech organisation promoting transparency, accountability, and effective service delivery in Nigeria, has launched its chatbot, Bimi, a web-based platform that provides real-time, accurate, and accessible information on public financial management.
The civil advocacy organisation stated that the cutting-edge innovation remained pivotal in bridging the divide between government transparency and public comprehension, and ensuring that all Nigerians can seamlessly access the critical information required for informed decision-making.
According to a statement by the BudgIT Communication Associate, Nancy Odimegwu, the platform provides citizens with real-time updates on audited financial reports, budget implementation, and government spending at national and subnational levels.
In addition, Bimi responds quickly to questions about government policies, public services, and governance updates, provides timely access to microeconomic and macroeconomic data for informed decision-making, and offers courses and modules on public financial management, civic technologies, and governance.
Speaking on the techno feat, BudgIT’s Global Director, Oluseun Onigbinde, described Bimi as more than a chatbot but a digital partner for fostering accountability and enhancing citizen engagement in governance.
He enthused: “By leveraging artificial intelligence, BudgIT has created a tool that simplifies the complexities of government operations. Bimi provides a user-friendly gateway to otherwise opaque government data, making it easier for Nigerians to demand transparency and hold leaders accountable. This is not just about technology; it’s about equipping citizens with the knowledge and tools they need to demand accountability from the government.”
BudgIT believes informed citizens build strong democratic systems, noting that with the chatbot, citizens can better comprehend governance and public financial management issues.
To this end, the civil advocacy organisation urged citizens, civil society organisations, the media, academia and policymakers to utilise the platform to access relevant fiscal data and get involved in governance in an informed and effective manner.
