Features
MonITNG urges Nigerians to prioritize accountability over praise for public projects
Written By: Emmanuel Ikhenebome
14 Dec 2025 02:41 AM
Abuja, FCT – In a strongly worded message addressed to "Active Citizens," Nigerian civic technology platform MonITNG has called on the public to stop excessively praising politicians for delivering basic infrastructure projects funded by taxpayers' money.
The organization, known for tracking government projects and promoting transparency, emphasized that roads, schools, hospitals, and other amenities are not "gifts" from leaders' personal pockets but constitutional obligations paid for through public funds.
"At MonITNG, our work is rooted in one clear mission: to sensitize citizens to understand that public office holders owe us service," the statement read in part.
It argued that normalizing applause for the "bare minimum" lowers standards for leadership and excuses mediocrity.
MonITNG highlighted that true patriotism involves active citizenship—asking questions, demanding answers, tracking projects, and insisting on value for money.
"Accountability is not opposition; it is participation," the group stressed, adding that public funds are "trust funds" that must be used transparently and efficiently.
The platform, which operates under the hashtag #GetInvolved, pledged to continue educating citizens, monitoring projects, and amplifying voices until transparency becomes the norm in Nigerian governance.
MonITNG has gained recognition for exposing abandoned or poorly executed public projects across states, including failed bridge repairs, neglected schools, and mismanaged health facilities.
The statement comes amid ongoing debates about governance standards in Nigeria, where citizens frequently celebrate project commissions despite persistent challenges in service delivery.
Critics of excessive praise for leaders argue it fosters a culture of low expectations, while supporters say recognition motivates performance.
MonITNG's message reinforces the view that elected officials "work for the people," and accountability remains a fundamental right.
The message posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday echoes calls for greater scrutiny of public spending.
MonITNG describes itself as a platform providing citizens with tools to track public projects and access data, aiming to bridge the gap between government promises and on-ground realities.
The organization, known for tracking government projects and promoting transparency, emphasized that roads, schools, hospitals, and other amenities are not "gifts" from leaders' personal pockets but constitutional obligations paid for through public funds.
"At MonITNG, our work is rooted in one clear mission: to sensitize citizens to understand that public office holders owe us service," the statement read in part.
It argued that normalizing applause for the "bare minimum" lowers standards for leadership and excuses mediocrity.
MonITNG highlighted that true patriotism involves active citizenship—asking questions, demanding answers, tracking projects, and insisting on value for money.
"Accountability is not opposition; it is participation," the group stressed, adding that public funds are "trust funds" that must be used transparently and efficiently.
The platform, which operates under the hashtag #GetInvolved, pledged to continue educating citizens, monitoring projects, and amplifying voices until transparency becomes the norm in Nigerian governance.
MonITNG has gained recognition for exposing abandoned or poorly executed public projects across states, including failed bridge repairs, neglected schools, and mismanaged health facilities.
The statement comes amid ongoing debates about governance standards in Nigeria, where citizens frequently celebrate project commissions despite persistent challenges in service delivery.
Critics of excessive praise for leaders argue it fosters a culture of low expectations, while supporters say recognition motivates performance.
MonITNG's message reinforces the view that elected officials "work for the people," and accountability remains a fundamental right.
The message posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday echoes calls for greater scrutiny of public spending.
MonITNG describes itself as a platform providing citizens with tools to track public projects and access data, aiming to bridge the gap between government promises and on-ground realities.
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