FG Unveils Youth-Shaped Open Governance Plan As Youth Minister Hands Over OGP Leadership

Maryam Aminu

Nigeria has launched a new youth-driven roadmap for transparency and accountability, as the Federal Government unveiled National Action Plan IV (NAP IV) under the Open Government Partnership (OGP), marking the end of the leadership tenure of Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande.

The unveiling took place during the 22nd National Steering Committee Meeting in Abuja, where Olawande formally handed over as State Actors Co-Chair of the Nigeria OGP National Steering Committee after overseeing key reforms aimed at promoting openness in governance.

Describing the moment as one of gratitude, reflection and renewed hope, the minister praised stakeholders across government institutions, civil society organisations, the private sector, academia, development partners and citizens for supporting the open governance agenda.

He noted that since 2024, broad consultations were carried out across Nigeria and beyond, giving citizens greater opportunities to shape governance processes.

According to him, the implementation of National Action Plan III recorded notable gains in transparency, accountability, access to information and citizen participation, while also strengthening Nigeria’s voice on the global OGP platform.

Olawande said the newly launched NAP IV represents the aspirations of a younger generation demanding more trust, openness and responsive governance.

The plan contains 12 commitments spread across six strategic areas, including digital governance, justice and human rights, anti-corruption, civic space and climate action.

He, however, stressed that the success of the initiative would depend on collective commitment and effective implementation by all stakeholders.

The outgoing co-chair also commended his counterpart, Obialunanma Nnaobi-Ayodele, as well as members of the OGP Secretariat and the 3rd National Steering Committee for their support and dedication.

In his inaugural remarks, the new State Actors Co-Chair and Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, pledged to consolidate on the achievements already recorded.

Bagudu reaffirmed the government’s commitment to stronger collaboration between state and non-state actors, adding that OGP reforms must translate into better governance and improved service delivery for Nigerians.

He identified fiscal transparency, anti-corruption, access to information and efficient public service delivery as priority areas requiring sustained momentum.

Also speaking, the incoming Non-State Actors Co-Chair, Olusoji Apampa, hailed progress made in financial transparency, open contracting, open budgeting and access to information.

He described the reforms as proof that openness in governance delivers practical benefits to citizens and promised to work with the new leadership to deepen reforms nationwide.