The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, has formally handed over the baton as State Actors Co-Chair of the Nigeria Open Government Partnership (OGP) National Steering Committee, describing the occasion as one marked by gratitude, reflection and renewed optimism for the future of open governance in Nigeria.
Speaking at the 22nd National Steering Committee meeting held in Abuja, the minister expressed appreciation to stakeholders who contributed to the process.
“I am deeply grateful for the collective efforts of government institutions, civil society organisations, the private sector, academia, development partners and ordinary citizens who worked together to strengthen open governance in our country,” he said.
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Reflecting on progress made since 2024, Olawande highlighted extensive consultations conducted across Nigeria and beyond, which gave Nigerians from diverse backgrounds a voice in shaping governance processes.
He noted that the implementation of National Action Plan III (NAP III) delivered results in accountability, access to information and citizen participation.
“Through NAP III, we made meaningful strides in promoting transparency, accountability and citizen engagement, while also amplifying Nigeria’s voice on the global OGP stage.”
The minister also unveiled National Action Plan IV (NAP IV), a forward-looking framework shaped largely by the aspirations of young Nigerians.
The new plan contains twelve commitments across six thematic areas, including digital governance, justice and human rights, anti-corruption, civic space and climate action.
“NAP IV truly reflects the dreams of a generation that wants greater transparency, accountability and trust in government,” he said.
“However, its success will depend entirely on our collective commitment to effective implementation.”
Olawande commended his Co-Chair, Obialunanma Nnaobi-Ayodele, for her leadership in representing non-state actors and thanked the OGP Secretariat and members of the third National Steering Committee for their support.
In his inaugural remarks, the new State Actors Co-Chair and Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, expressed appreciation for the opportunity to serve and pledged to build on existing progress.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening collaboration between state and non-state actors, while ensuring that OGP commitments translate into improved governance and service delivery.
Bagudu emphasised the need to sustain progress in fiscal transparency, anti-corruption, access to information and public service delivery.
The incoming Non-State Actors Co-Chair, Olusoji Apampa, acknowledged progress made in financial transparency, open contracting, access to information and open budgeting.
“These are not small achievements,” he said. “They show that openness is a practical tool that can deliver real benefits to citizens.”
Apampa pledged to work with the new leadership to sustain reforms and deepen collaboration for the benefit of Nigerians.