BudgIT Launches ‘Bimi’ AI Chatbot, Opens New Office in Abuja

The BudgIT Foundation, a prominent civic-tech organization, has launched its flagship Artificial Intelligence (AI)- powered chatbot, Bimi. The unveiling occurred on Tuesday, the inauguration of its new permanent office in Abuja. The event was a significant milestone in the organization’s mission to promote transparency and accountability, attracting industry leaders, stakeholders, and partners from various sectors of the Nigerian economy.

In his opening remarks, Oluseun Onigbinde, the Global Director of BudgIT, shared that Bimi has been trained using local data gathered over the years. This allows it to provide real-time insights and accurate interpretations of financial records tailored to the local context. This tool empowers journalists, researchers, policymakers, data analysts, and citizens to compare budget allocations with actual expenditures, thereby enhancing accountability in governance.

Additionally, the tool integrates other civic resources, such as Govspend.ng, modeled after the federal expenditure tracker, and the Open Treasury Portal, which helps analyze the utilization of public funds. Oluwatosin Iseniyi, Head of the AI Accountability & Data for Society Unit at BudgIT Nigeria, commented on the tool’s impact, stating, “With the Bimi tool, anyone can easily interact with the government’s spending and hold it accountable.”

Regarding the new office, Mr. Onigbinde noted that it provides a conducive workspace and is aimed at furthering the organization’s mission to leverage innovative technology to simplify public information, empower citizens, and foster accountability for a fair society. He welcomed all attendees, particularly distinguished guests, including Dapo Olorunyomi, Publisher of Premium Times and CEO of the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID); Dayo Aiyetan, Founding Executive Director of the International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR); Rinsola Abiola, Senior Presidential Aide on Citizen and Leadership; and Kole Shettima, Co-Director.

He emphasized that storytelling has always been a crucial element of BudgIT’s approach, stating, “It is essential for us to strengthen our collaboration with media organizations to enhance the reach and effectiveness of our communication efforts.” 

Vitalis Obi, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, praised BudgIT for its accomplishments and innovative contributions to the budget ecosystem. “On behalf of the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and Sen. Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, CON, we sincerely congratulate BudgIT on this commendable achievement,” he remarked. He also promised the organization renewed and strengthened partnerships moving forward.

The Bimi tool was developed using AI to promote fiscal transparency, social accountability, and citizen engagement in Nigeria and across Africa. It utilizes existing government records to monitor and analyze fiscal and public finance data, making budget information accessible and understandable for all citizens. 

Additionally, the chatbot assists users in comprehending government and public financial records, as well as macroeconomic and microeconomic indicators, by clarifying, interpreting, and simplifying the data it presents.