Northwest states reaffirm transparency drive as OGP network opens meeting in Kaduna
By Austine Agbo Emmanuel, Kaduna
A renewed wave of commitment to transparency, accountability and inclusive governance swept across the Northwest on Wednesday as government officials, civil society leaders and development partners converged in Kaduna for the inaugural Open Government Partnership Northwest Regional Meeting. The event, hosted at the Kaduna State Planning and Budget Commission, was widely described as a defining moment for strengthening reforms across the region.
Declaring the meeting open, the Kaduna State Commissioner for Planning and Budget, Mukhtar Ahmed Monrovia, representing the Government and the OGP State Steering Committee, said the gathering reflects the state’s deep-rooted values of openness, civic participation and accountability.
He noted that Kaduna’s long-standing reputation as a center of learning and innovation makes it a fitting host for a dialogue that aims to reshape governance structures and empower citizens.
According to him, the meeting is not a ceremonial event but a call to action for governments, civil society and citizens to co-create solutions that address shared challenges. He expressed appreciation to development partners including the United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office whose support for democratic governance continues to inspire resilience across Nigeria. He reminded participants that openness is strength, participation is foundational and trust is earned through consistent and transparent action.
Also speaking, the Citizens Co-Chair of the OGP SAP III, Mubarak Abdulganiyi, said the regional meeting marks a historic milestone in the collective pursuit of transparent and people-centered governance.
Abdulganiyi, explained that the convening offers an opportunity for states to forge new partnerships, inspire bold reforms and build institutions that reflect the needs and aspirations of all citizens including women, youth and marginalized groups. He described the event as a foundation for future reforms that will foster public trust, enhance sustainable development and ensure that government actions remain responsive to the people.
In his remarks, the Senior Special Assistant to the Kano State Governor on Open Government Partnership, Musaddiq Kabir Adam, said the state has taken significant steps to deepen its open government systems.
He noted that despite being early in the life of the current administration, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has demonstrated clear commitment to the OGP framework by revitalizing long-standing structures and appointing key actors to drive the agenda. He stressed that Kano has been part of the OGP process since 2012 and that recent actions by the government reflect a renewed determination to reinvigorate reforms through collaboration and strategic leadership.
According to him, the political will of the administration is evident in its efforts to strengthen disclosures, improve procurement transparency and enhance citizen engagement, all of which are crucial for deepening accountability.
Similarly, the Kebbi State Co-Chair for Non-State Actors in the OGP, Ibrahim Ngaski, said open government thrives only when both the state and citizens work together to shape development priorities. He explained that Kebbi has made meaningful progress because citizens are increasingly involved in government programs, especially during the budget preparation process. He noted that a state budget becomes complete only when communities contribute to the design and implementation of projects that affect them.
Ngaski added that as development efforts aim to reach the grassroots, governments must continue to create spaces where citizens engage freely and offer inputs that strengthen governance outcomes.
Stakeholders at the meeting expressed optimism that the Northwest region is entering a new phase of reforms driven by integrity, innovation and people-centered decision-making. They agreed that deeper collaboration across states will accelerate the implementation of open government policies and deliver tangible benefits to citizens.
The meeting closed with a unified resolve to sustain partnerships, strengthen civic participation and ensure that transparency becomes a defining pillar of governance across the Northwest and beyond.
