Kaduna Extends OGP Action Plan to 2027, Deepens Reforms on Transparency, Citizen Participation
From: Femi Oyelola in Kaduna
Kaduna State has officially extended its third State Action Plan under the Open Government Partnership (OGP), reaffirming its dedication to transparency, accountability, and citizen involvement in governance.The extension was approved on Thursday during a high-level stakeholders’ meeting at the Planning and Budget Commission Conference Hall, where government officials, civil society representatives, and the media reviewed progress and agreed on next steps for the 2024–2027 cycle.
Speaking at the event, OGP Citizens Co-Chair Abdulganiy Mubarak stated that the decision to extend the action plan was driven by the need to solidify ongoing reforms and accommodate new priorities. “Our leadership cycle was supposed to end in December, but this extension allows us to maintain momentum, strengthen collaboration, and develop more ambitious and resilient plans,” he said.Mubarak emphasized that the OGP process remains grounded in citizen engagement, noting that consultations across communities have helped shape reforms and identify critical gaps. He also announced that Kaduna would leverage the upcoming OGP Global Week in May to boost public awareness and participation, particularly through targeted media outreach.
The State’s OGP Point of Contact, Tara Jeremiah, said the extension should be guided by clear, measurable milestones that promote real change. “Milestones are the results the action plan is meant to deliver. They are what create impact in society, not just activities,” he explained.
Jeremiah highlighted the importance of aligning the action plan with government priorities, noting that reforms need to complement the broader development agenda. He pointed to increasing grassroots participation, citing Kaduna South as the first local government in the state to join OGP, a move expected to broaden citizen engagement at the community level.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Planning and Budget, Mukhtar Ahmed, described the extended plan as a continuation of five key commitment areas aimed at improving governance outcomes. “This validation is to assess what we have achieved and ensure that commitments, especially those requiring government action, are given appropriate attention,” he said.
Ahmed identified the provision of office space for civil society organizations as a significant step, signaling the government’s openness to inclusive governance. He added that community-led projects across political wards are helping shape development priorities, with several initiatives aligning with OGP commitments.
Also speaking, the Managing Director of the Kaduna State Media Corporation, KSMC, Ben Kure, praised the state’s reform efforts and urged stakeholders to uphold high standards. “There is a difference between doing what is good and what is right. What we are doing here today is both good and right,” he said.
Kure emphasized the importance of reflection and ongoing learning to sustain progress, calling for continued collaboration among government, media, and civil society.
The validation meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from stakeholders to strengthen implementation, improve monitoring of results, and ensure the extended action plan provides tangible benefits to citizens.
Kaduna remains a leading actor among Nigeria’s subnational entities in the OGP process, advancing reforms to promote open, inclusive, and accountable governance.
