The Nigerian government has continued to champion reforms that reflect government’s focus of eradicating corruption, enhancing transparency and accountability across the public sector.
The Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Prince Clem Agba, stated this at a Media briefing in Abuja, Nigeria’s Capital.
The Minister noted that, as part of Nigeria’s commitment to institutionalising Open Government Partnership OGP, Nigeria has introduced a line item in the annual budget to fund OGP’s activities which have yielded positive results.
“The country’s budget process has become more open than ever before, with the recent ranking in the 2021 Open Budget Survey conducted in 120 countries with upward movement of 24 points and second highest improvement worldwide.
“The Survey showed that, Nigeria has improved the timeliness in publishing comprehensive budget documents to the public and international oversight that have made significant progress at the sub-national level, with 23 States in Nigeria signed on to the OGP,” the Minister explained.
Mr. Clem Agba, noted that Public information was now easily available and accessible, with the implementation of the Freedom of Information (FOIA) Act 2011 has been strengthened through compliance of mandatory proactive disclosures, response rates to requests and significant trainings.
On his remarks, the Chief Executive Officer, Sajay Pradhan said, Nigeria has recorded significant progress in Open Government Partnership OGP, among 77countries in the world.
“There is excellent cooperation, commitment and collaboration between government, other Agencies, and very vibrant civil society organizations who are ready to make things happen.
“Open Government Partnership OGP, helps the government to manage resources, ensure transparency and accountability of the government policies and programmes,” Mr. Pradhan said.
The Chief Executive Officer also urged OGP Stakeholders to carry out crusade from the local to the National level to achieve the desired objectives.
OGP is an International Multi-Stakeholders initiative that is focused on improving transparency, accountability, citizens’ participation and responsiveness through technology and innovation.
OGP has also introduced a domestic policy mechanisms through which the government and civil society organisations engage in transparency in budgeting process.
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