In a step toward regional cooperation on governance reform, Kaduna State hosted the inaugural Open Government Partnership (OGP) Northwest Network Inception Meeting. The event, held in the state capital, united government officials, civil society leaders, development partners, and citizens from across the region to strengthen a collective movement for transparency, inclusion, and accountability.
A Call to Action for Open Governance
In his address, the Commissioner of the Kaduna State Planning and Budget Commission, Mukhtar Ahmed, framed the meeting as a vital "call to action." Speaking on behalf of the state government and the OGP State Steering Committee, Ahmed emphasized Kaduna's firm belief that "governance must be open, participatory, and people-centered."
"Openness is not weakness—it is strength," Ahmed stated, invoking principles from the recent OGP Global Summit. "Participation is not a burden—it is a foundation. Trust is not given—it is earned through consistent, transparent, and inclusive action."
He commended the crucial support of the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), describing the partnership as "not just strategic—it is transformative." Looking ahead, Ahmed stressed that the network's power lies in leveraging the unique strengths of each member state to "push innovative reforms that will bring maximum benefit to our people."
Building a Foundation for People-Centered Reform
Mubarak Abdulganiyi, Citizens Co-Chair of Kaduna's OGP State Action Plan III, hailed the meeting as a "historic milestone." He outlined its purpose as an opportunity for states to forge partnerships, inspire bold reforms, and build institutions that reflect the needs of all citizens, including women, youth, and marginalized groups.
"This gathering lays a foundation for future reforms that will foster public trust, enhance sustainable development, and ensure government remains responsive to the people," Abdulganiyi said.
State Commitments: From Kano's Renewed Will to Kebbi's Citizen Focus
The meeting featured strong expressions of commitment from participating states:
· Kano State demonstrated renewed political will, with Musaddiq Kabir Adam, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on OGP, detailing efforts to revitalize open government systems. "Our administration is strengthening disclosures, improving procurement transparency, and enhancing citizen engagement to deepen accountability," Adam stated.
· Kebbi State emphasized the critical role of citizen involvement. Ibrahim Ngaski, Co-Chair for Non-State Actors, noted, "A state budget becomes complete only when communities help design the projects that affect them. Open government thrives when state and citizens work together."
A Unified Path Forward
The inception meeting ended with a unified resolve across the Northwest region to sustain partnerships, strengthen civic participation, and embed transparency as a defining pillar of governance. Stakeholders expressed optimism that this new collaborative network marks the beginning of a chapter where the region "leads with integrity, innovates with purpose, and delivers with impact."
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