Bauchi State Governor Launches Open Government Partnership Action Plan 2023-2025
Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, has officially launched the State Action Plan 2023-2025 of the Open Government Partnership (OGP). The governor commended the co-chairs and members of the steering committee for their dedication and efforts in developing the maiden plan.
During the launch held at the Council Chambers in the Government House, Bauchi, Governor Mohammed highlighted that the 2023-2025 OGP would focus on four commitment areas: open access to information, citizens’ engagement, fiscal transparency, and strengthening the social protection system.
According to a release from the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Governor Mohammed, Mukhtar Gidado, the commitment areas have been meticulously outlined into specific activities and targets to be implemented by the relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in the state.
Bauchi State joined the Open Government Partnership (OGP) in July 2022, demonstrating its commitment to promoting accountability, transparency, and citizen engagement in governance. Even prior to joining the OGP, the state government had made significant efforts to incorporate OGP principles into its operational processes across all sectors.
Governor Mohammed emphasized that his administration had shown a minimum level of commitment to the OGP by enhancing budget processes and supporting efficient budget preparation, participation, and timely publication of budget documents.
I wish to express my deep appreciation to the USAID funded State-2-State Activity for its commitment and continuous support throughout the process leading to the state joining the OGP. I also extend my gratitude to all government officials, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), development partners, communities, religious leaders, and the global OGP for their support and collaboration in the development of this initial action plan, the governor said.
Expressing gratitude to all stakeholders involved in the plan’s development, Governor Mohammed revealed that Bauchi State had formulated an Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) Expansion Strategy through an inclusive and participatory process. Additionally, the state had developed a State Budget Operation Manual, Standard Operating Procedures for Public Engagement, and a guide to the State’s Fiscal Responsibility Law with support from the USAID State2State Program.
Furthermore, the governor highlighted the state government’s inclusiveness efforts, mentioning the development and approval of a State Social Protection Policy through the passage of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law and the domestication of the National Gender Policy, ensuring the involvement of marginalized groups in governance.
Governor Mohammed expressed his hope that the government’s collaboration with civil society actors in co-creating and co-implementing the action plan would strengthen the relationship between citizens and the government. This partnership aims to build citizens’ trust and belief in the governance process.
The launch of the Open Government Partnership Action Plan 2023-2025 by Bauchi State signifies the state’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and improved citizen engagement. By focusing on open access to information, citizens’ participation, fiscal transparency, and strengthening social protection, the state aims to foster effective governance and address the diverse needs of its constituents. The collaborative efforts between the government and civil society actors are expected to yield positive outcomes and further enhance the state’s development in the coming years.
