Impact News
The National Steering Committee of the Open Government Partnership (OGP) has held its 17th edition and last meeting for the year 2022.
The meeting was held with the purpose of finalising the National Action Plan (NAP) III as the document was commended by the house and adopted for presidential presentation.
In his opening speech, the Co-Chair, State Actors, Prince Clem Ikanade Agba, expressed gratitude to his counterparts and Co-chair, Non-State Actors, Dr. Tayo Aduloju, the Incoming Co-chair for State Actors, and his colleague, Honourable Minister for Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare; the In-coming Co-chair for Non-State Actors, Mrs. Nma Nnaobi-Ayodele, the National Coordinator, OGP Secretariat, Dr. Gloria Ahmed, members of the National Steering Committee, and OGP Secretariat staff for their support thus far.
“I want to thank you all for your support and dedication to OGP process in Nigeria. Your partnership is crucial to the success we have achieved and the one to come.
“The Second National Action Plan ended in August 2022 and we ought to be implementing the third National Action Plan by now. This meeting will serve as a strategic session for the review and implementation of the final Third National Action Plan,” he said.
The State Actors Chair further commended stakeholders for the successes recorded in the second NAP in open budgeting, beneficial ownership, and citizen engagement, among others.
“Some of us who attended the Africa Middle East Regional Summit witnessed that Nigeria retains a position of spotlight in the global scene. Sustaining this requires that we intensify our efforts and bring innovation to the fore,” Agba said.
He also appealed to incoming Co-Chairs to give the Secretariat all the needed support and push, where necessary, to deliver effectively.
He, therefore, urged them to take a critical look at the final draft of the NAP III that the committee has put forward.
He pleaded that they should endeavour to draw from their previous experiences in implementing NAPs I and II and make informed decisions towards its implementation.
“It is my hope that every MDA and CSO involved in the implementation brings dedication and ownership to the scene. I am aware that the recommendations made were infused into the Third National Action Plan and wish to appeal to all key Stakeholders to help give the necessary push to enable the Secretariat to deliver on these mandates.”
The NSC which holds its meetings quarterly oversees the affairs and activities of OGP. The Committee is made up of 20 members consisting of 10 members from various Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the Federal Government, seven members from among civil society organisations from various sectors relevant to the thematic focus of the OGP on Nigeria and three members from the private sector.
The NSC also has the oversight responsibility of ensuring the effective administration and implementation of Nigeria’s OGP.
