By: Femi Mustapha
The Kaduna Local Government Accountability Mechanism (KADLGAM) is making significant strides in enhancing the Open Government Partnership (OGP) principles of transparency, accountability, and citizen participation across the 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Kaduna State.
This information was shared in a statement signed by Yusuf Ishaku Goje, the State Lead of KADLGAM; Babangida Garba, KADLGAM – CDC Coordinator for Kaduna North Senatorial District; Usman Adamu, KADLGAM – CDC Coordinator for Kaduna Central Senatorial District; Godwin Kumai Akau, KADLGAM – CDC Coordinator for Kaduna South Senatorial District; and Seth Luke, Civil Society Co-chair of the OGP Technical Working Group on Strengthening Participatory Budget Processes and Head of Programs at KADLGAM.
The statement noted that, with support from the Partnership for Agile Governance & Climate Engagement (PACE) and the LAFIYA Programme, KADLGAM has successfully restructured and strengthened its Technical Working Groups (TWGs).
KADLGAM has also conducted capacity-building sessions for 552 TWG members, focusing on important areas such as OGP principles, the Community Development Charter (CDC) process, the Local Government Fiscal Transparency, Accountability & Sustainability (LFTAS) Program, Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equity (HOPE) Program, and Community Engagement on Climate-related Shock-Responsive Social Protection.
The action plans for the 23 LGAs, developed through a collaborative co-creation process, adhere to OGP Public Participation and Co-creation Standards. Civil Society Climate Action Advocates have been appointed to work in conjunction with Climate Change Champions to promote activities aimed at climate change mitigation and adaptation.
Additionally, a permanent dialogue mechanism has been established to institutionalize community engagement and ensure that citizens’ voices are heard in local government decision-making processes. This mechanism will empower citizens to participate in decision-making and hold their leaders accountable.
KADLGAM expresses appreciation for the support of its development partners, including the FCDO-funded PACE and LAFIYA Programme, as well as the commitment from the Ministry for Local Government Affairs and the 23 Local Government Chairmen.
Established in 2019, KADLGAM aims to enhance community engagement and social accountability in local government administration. It has inaugurated Technical Working Groups (TWGs) composed of equal numbers of State and non-State actors who will collaboratively implement action plans across the 23 LGAs.
