The Open Government Partnership (OGP) has effected a sensitization exercise for the Directorate Officers and Staff of the Ministry of Budget and National Planning in Abuja, Nigeria’s federal capital territory (FCT).
The OGP Nigeria under the coordination of Dr. Gloria Ahmed as National Coordinator commenced the sensitization exercise on the 3rd of September, 2022 in commemoration of the 2022 OGP Week that was held between 16th and 20th May, 2022.
The September 3rd batch had in attendance all Directors, while the second batch that took place today, 5th September, 2022 at the Budget and National Planning Building was attended by Deputy Directors, Assistant Directors, Principal Officers, Units Heads and a section of staff of the Ministry, subsequent batches come up within the week.
Speaking during the exercise, Ahmed disclosed that the OGP is an initiative that promotes good governance, which entails improved health service delivery, a conducive learning environment, citizens’ participation in the budgetary process and feedback to the government after implementation of the budget, budget circle, amongst others.
Similarly, Mrs. Olusola Idowu, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, represented by Zakari Lawal, Director of Monitoring and Evaluation Department stressed that the in thing for the government is OGP. The Permanent Secretary further stressed that in extension, most state governments have been in compliance with the objectives of the OGP by being proactive in the disclosure of information.
Also, the Communication Adviser, OGP, Hajia Rakata, enlightened staff on the aims and objectives of the OGP while Abayomi Akimbo, civil society expert gave an overview of the role of the government and Civil Society Organizations and their contributions to the OGP in Nigeria. Other speakers are, Tari Wills, Program Officer 1, Uchenna Arinze, Civil Society Adviser, Ramatu Bello, Non-State Adviser and Mooreino Diftuffe, Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist.
The OGP is an international multi-stakeholder initiative focused on improving transparency, accountability, citizen participation and responsiveness to citizens through technology and innovation.
It brings together government and civil society champions of reforms who recognize that governments are likely to be more effective and credible when governance is open to public input and oversight.
The OGP Week is an annual event celebrated across member countries to mark the birth of its Initiative, and the 2022 edition held in May was celebrated in grand style, having the presence of the Global President, Sanjay Pradhan and his team.
The Co-Chair, State Actors, Honourable Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Prince Clem Ikanade Agba and his Non-State counterpart, Dr. Tayo Aduloju have shown exemplary and endearing leadership to the OGP in Nigeria.
Also, the National Coordinator, who doubles as Director, Special Duties of the Ministry, in her effort has influenced human capacity developments and behavioural change through consistent sensitization.
It would be recalled that the first phase of the sensitization exercise was done for key ministries, departments and agencies.
