As a child, I had countless political questions but no answers simply because public information was out of reach. I often wondered whether the government worked only for certain states. I can’t blame myself for thinking that way. Without access to information, how could I have known otherwise? I watched people ask questions about how public funds were allocated and why development remained stagnant, like the lingering case of the Ajaokuta Steel Company in Kogi State. However, no one had clear answers. This happened because citizens lacked access to crucial information, making it difficult to demand accountability from leaders. In worse cases, they neither knew how to demand answers nor realised they had the right to do so.
I watched adults accept Nigeria’s poor state as fate. Salaries went unpaid even after funds were allocated and disbursed, and news of funding for various projects would spark hope in communities, only for the projects to be abandoned in no distant time. Over time, citizens lost trust in the system and resigned themselves to disappointment.
When I joined BudgIT in 2023, I felt like I had received the power I craved as a child: ‘The Power of Information.’ I remember going through the Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) data and feeling a rush of emotions. I realised that lacking access to this information had deprived me and everyone else in society of the ability to demand change from our leaders. BudgIT’s work to simplify complex budget documents suddenly felt even more meaningful.
As a civic tech organisation deeply committed to transparency and accountability, BudgIT has built various tools to give citizens access to Nigeria’s public data. No doubt, BudgIT has consistently developed platforms that equip citizens with the information needed to engage effectively in governance, from accessing budget documents to tracking government projects. However, this time, they took it up by introducing Bimi, an AI-powered chatbot—a game-changer for public finance transparency. While its existing tools provide access to budget data, Bimi takes it further, offering real-time insights into Nigeria’s budget and public spending, simplifying complex financial data, answering questions on government projects, and even tracking their progress.
In May 2024, when the idea of BudgIT delving into the world of Artificial Intelligence kicked off, I beamed enthusiastically as the Global Director, Oluseun Onigbinde, briefed the team on the initiative’s objectives and expectations. The journey began by collecting data from various departments within the organisation, forming the foundation upon which Bimi would be built. Working in a space that provides public finance information has given me access to tools that empower citizens, fueling my passion for civic tech and transparency.
In September 2024, I was selected to attend a workshop to build the AI capacity of civil society organisation members. The training provided hands-on experience with AI tools to enhance efficiency, decision-making, and collaboration. This experience sparked my curiosity, leading me to enrol in the ALX AI Career Essentials Programme, a six-week intensive course with rigorous weekly tests and milestones.
The AI training expanded my understanding of how technology can drive civic engagement, and this newfound knowledge became instrumental in shaping my contributions to Bimi’s development. Equipped with these insights, I was better positioned to support BudgIT’s AI-powered approach to financial transparency.
Bimi, BudgIT’s AI initiative, is just one month old, but its potential is already becoming evident. BudgIT has powerful tools, but Bimi feels like a lifesaver. Instead of jumping from one website to another to find specific information, Bimi aggregates data from all BudgIT tools into one seamless experience. It is an incredible step forward, demonstrating the evolution of technology and its role in shaping public accountability.
I’m thrilled to be part of the team working to unlock Bimi’s full potential. While Bimi is still in its early stages, the possibilities are endless. This AI-powered chatbot is set to revolutionise access to financial data, empowering citizens and promoting transparency. Bimi may be young, but it is already making waves, and I can’t wait to see how it grows.
Building an AI chatbot isn’t without challenges. Nigerian public data can sometimes be incomplete or difficult to standardise. But that makes Bimi unique. It continuously learns and evolves, and BudgIT is constantly refining its abilities to serve citizens better.
If you have ever wondered where your state’s funds are going or why specific projects are delayed, try chatting with Bimi. The more people use and interact with the chatbot, the smarter it gets, bringing us closer to a future where no budget detail is hidden and every citizen becomes an empowered watchdog.
Take control of financial information and demand accountability, just as I have. Visit www.bimi.budgit.org to experience Bimi firsthand and join the movement for a transparent and accountable Nigeria!
