Kogi OGP Moves To Fast-Track State Action Plan Before November Deadline
The 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 held 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.
Speaking 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.
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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 over allegations contained in a publication by the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), providing the government the opportunity to present facts on the issues raised.
The committee also reviewed progress reports presented by the Technical Working Group (TWG) and adopted several measures to fast-track implementation of outstanding commitments.
Among the resolutions reached were the adoption of virtual meetings for routine engagements, while physical meetings would be 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.
Members further agreed to prioritise commitments relating to access to information, fiscal transparency, particularly procurement transparency, and extractive transparency.
The committee, however, stepped down a motion seeking a 12-month extension of SAP I after members expressed confidence that the outstanding commitments could be completed before the expiration date.
Instead, the committee resolved to engage heads of relevant MDAs to expedite implementation and approved the engagement of a consultant within four weeks to commence the development of the second State Action Plan (SAP II).
It agreed that the issue of extending SAP I would only be reconsidered after assessing progress on the newly adopted measures.
In its closing remarks, the OGP Secretariat appreciated members for their commitment and urged sustained collaboration to ensure the successful completion of SAP I.
The committee also called for increased public sensitisation and capacity building to deepen citizens’ understanding and participation in the Open Government Partnership initiative.
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, JULY 13TH 2026)
