FG Unveils Four-Year Roadmap for Open Government Partnership to Boost Socio-Economic Growth

Maryam Aminu

The Federal Government has launched a comprehensive four-year roadmap for the Open Government Partnership (OGP), aimed at enhancing transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement to drive socio-economic development in Nigeria.

The Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, announced the initiative during the valedictory session of the National Action Plan III (NAP III) and the inauguration of the committee tasked with developing the fourth National Action Plan (NAP IV) in Abuja.

According to the Minister, the new roadmap will build on the successes of NAP III while addressing past challenges. He urged the steering committee members to review the roadmap critically and provide constructive feedback to ensure an improved framework for NAP IV.

“Please draw extensively from your experience with NAP III as you contribute to the draft. Our goal is to create a new action plan that avoids previous challenges,” Olawande stated.

He emphasized the importance of nationwide adoption of OGP principles, noting that 26 out of Nigeria’s 37 states, along with three local councils, have already embraced the initiative.

He also highlighted progress in beneficial ownership reforms and commended the President for promoting transparency in governance, citing the removal of the corruption-ridden petrol subsidy as a key achievement.

Dr. Gloria Ahmed, National Coordinator of the OGP and Director of Special Duties at the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, explained that the National Steering Committee (NSC) has transitioned from a two-year to a four-year action plan cycle. This shift, she noted, allows for a mid-term review to reassess priorities in response to government policy changes or emerging challenges.

“The roadmap will officially commence in March with a stakeholder retreat, where participants will assess past performance and review the previous National Action Plan,” Dr. Ahmed stated.

The unveiling of the four-year roadmap marks a significant step toward strengthening governance and fostering inclusive development in Nigeria.