The Federal Government has unveiled a new national framework aimed at strengthening governance, boosting citizen participation, and advancing anti-corruption reforms, as leadership transitions within the Open Government Partnership (OGP) National Steering Committee signal a renewed phase for transparency efforts in Nigeria.
Nigeria’s Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, formally handed over his role as State Actors Co-Chair of the OGP National Steering Committee at the 22nd National Steering Committee Meeting in Abuja, describing the moment as one marked by “gratitude, reflection, and renewed optimism.”
Olawande commended the broad coalition of stakeholders that contributed to the country’s open governance journey, including government institutions, civil society organisations, private sector players, academia, development partners, and citizens.
“I am deeply grateful for the collective efforts of government institutions, civil society organisations, the private sector, academia, development partners, and ordinary citizens who worked together to strengthen open governance in our country,” he said.
Reflecting on progress since 2024, the Minister pointed to extensive consultations conducted across Nigeria and beyond, which he said helped give citizens a stronger voice in shaping governance processes. He noted that the implementation of National Action Plan III (NAP III) delivered measurable outcomes in accountability, access to information, and civic engagement.
“Through NAP III, we made meaningful strides in promoting transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement, while also amplifying Nigeria’s voice on the global OGP stage,” he added.
A major highlight of the event was the formal unveiling of National Action Plan IV (NAP IV), a new policy framework designed to consolidate gains and deepen reforms. According to Olawande, the plan is largely shaped by the aspirations of young Nigerians and outlines twelve commitments across six thematic areas, including digital governance, justice and human rights, anti-corruption, civic space, and climate action.
“NAP IV truly reflects the dreams of a generation that wants greater transparency, accountability, and trust in government,” he said, noting that effective implementation would be critical to achieving its objectives.
Olawande also acknowledged the contributions of his Co-Chair, Obialunanma Nnaobi-Ayodele, as well as the OGP Secretariat and members of the 3rd National Steering Committee.
In his inaugural remarks, the new State Actors Co-Chair and Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, pledged to build on existing progress and strengthen collaboration between state and non-state actors.
He emphasised the need to sustain momentum in fiscal transparency, anti-corruption, access to information, and public service delivery, noting that OGP commitments must translate into tangible improvements for citizens.
Meanwhile, incoming Non-State Actors Co-Chair, Olusoji Apampa, highlighted gains recorded in financial transparency, open contracting, and open budgeting, describing them as practical outcomes of openness reforms.
“These are not small achievements,” he said. “They show that openness is a practical tool that can deliver real benefits to citizens.”
Apampa added that he would work closely with the new leadership to sustain reforms and deepen collaboration in the interest of Nigerians.
