Kogi To Fast-track Action Plan On Open Government Partnership

Kogi State Open Government Partnership (OGP) State Steering Committee (SSC) has resolved to accelerate the implementation of the state’s first State Action Plan (SAP I) ahead of its expiration in November 2026.

The resolution was reached at the committee’s second-quarter meeting in Lokoja, where government officials and civil society organisations reviewed the implementation of the action plan and outlined measures to ensure its full execution within the stipulated timeframe.

At the meeting, the Non-State Actors co-chair and executive director of Renaissance Care and Empowerment Foundation, Ambassador Idris Ozovehe Muraina, stressed the need for all stakeholders to intensify efforts towards achieving 100 per cent implementation of SAP I before its expiration.

He commended civil society organisations for their sustained commitment to promoting open governance in the state.

The State Actors co-chair and commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Hon. Asiwaju Asiru Idris, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to transparency, accountability and inclusive governance.

He disclosed that the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo had concluded plans to fully digitise public governance through an electronic governance system aimed at improving efficiency and service delivery.

The commissioner also praised civil society organisations, particularly the Kogi Network of Non-Governmental Organisations (KONGONET), for adopting dialogue and constructive engagement with the government on governance issues.

According to him, KONGONET sought official clarification from the government regarding allegations contained in a publication by the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), thereby giving the government the opportunity to present facts on the issues raised.

The committee also reviewed progress reports from the Technical Working Group (TWG) and adopted several measures to fast-track the implementation of outstanding commitments.

Among the resolutions reached was the adoption of virtual meetings for routine engagements, with physical meetings reserved for urgent matters.

The committee also approved bi-weekly Technical Working Group sessions to be hosted by relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to drive implementation.