Kogi Committed to Transparency, Inclusive Governance Through OGP Implementation- Asiwaju

By Princess Funsho Sumanu

The Kogi State Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Hon. Asiwaju Idris, has reaffirmed the commitment of the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to transparency, accountability and inclusive governance through the effective implementation of the Open Government Partnership (OGP) State Action Plan.

The Commissioner stated this during the second quarter meeting of the Kogi State Open Government Partnership (OGP) State Steering Committee (SSC) held in Lokoja, where government officials and civil society organisations reviewed the implementation of the state’s first State Action Plan (SAP I) and adopted measures to ensure its successful completion before its expiration in November 2026.

The Commissioner disclosed that the state government had concluded plans to fully digitise public governance through an electronic governance system aimed at improving efficiency, accountability and service delivery across Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

He also commended civil society organisations, particularly KONGONET, for embracing dialogue and constructive engagement with the government on governance-related issues. According to him, the organisation demonstrated maturity by seeking clarification from the government over allegations contained in a publication by CISLAC, thereby allowing the government to present the facts on the issues raised.

Earlier, the Non-State Actors Co-Chair and Executive Director of Renaissance Care and Empowerment Foundation, Ambassador Idris Ozovehe Muraina, urged all stakeholders to intensify efforts towards achieving full implementation of the State Action Plan before the November deadline.
He commended civil society organisations for their unwavering commitment to advancing the ideals of open governance in Kogi State and called for sustained collaboration among all implementing partners.

The committee also reviewed progress reports presented by the Technical Working Group (TWG) and adopted a number of resolutions aimed at accelerating the implementation of outstanding commitments.
Among the resolutions reached were the adoption of virtual meetings for routine engagements, while physical meetings would be reserved for urgent matters.

The committee also approved bi-weekly Technical Working Group meetings to be hosted by relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to drive implementation.
Members further resolved to prioritise commitments relating to access to information, fiscal transparency, particularly procurement transparency, and extractive transparency.

The committee,
However, stepped down a motion seeking a 12-month extension of the State Action Plan after expressing confidence that the outstanding commitments could be completed before the November deadline.
It instead resolved to engage the heads of relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to expedite implementation. It approved the engagement of a consultant within four weeks to commence the development of the second State Action Plan (SAP II). Members agreed that the issue of extending SAP I would only be revisited after assessing progress on the newly adopted measures.

In its closing remarks, the OGP Secretariat appreciated members for their commitment and urged continued collaboration towards the successful completion of the State Action Plan. The Secretariat also called for increased public sensitisation and capacity building to deepen citizens’ understanding of and participation in the Open Government Partnership initiative.