The Kaduna State Planning and Budget Commission today hosted the inaugural Open Government Partnership (OGP) Northwest Network Inception Meeting, marking a significant regional push for transparent and accountable governance.
The event, held in the “Centre of Learning”, brought together governments, civil society, development partners, and citizens to strengthen the movement rooted in transparency, inclusion, and accountability.
The Commissioner, Mukhtar Ahmed, delivered a compelling welcome address, emphasizing that the meeting was not merely a formality but a "call to action".
In his remarks, Commissioner Ahmed, speaking on behalf of the Kaduna State Government and the OGP State Steering Committee (SSC), extended a warm welcome to all attendees. He highlighted Kaduna State's deep resonance with the Open Government Partnership (OGP) global initiative, stating, "We believe that governance must be open, participatory, and people- entered." He expressed pride that the Northwest region is "rising to meet this challenge with courage and clarity."
The Commissioner urged participants to "co-create solutions" that reflect a shared goal. He called for building trust, fostering dialogue, and ensuring that every voice—especially those often unheard—is brought to the table.
Invoking lessons from the OGP Global Summit, Ahmed challenged the notion of vulnerability in open governance:
* Openness is not weakness—it is strength.
* Participation is not a burden—it is a foundation.
* Trust is not given—it is earned, "through consistent, transparent, and inclusive action."
The Kaduna State Government acknowledged the crucial support and collaboration of the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). Ahmed commended FCDO's commitment to strengthening democratic governance and resilience in Nigeria, calling their partnership with Kaduna State "not just strategic—it is transformative."
Looking ahead, the Commissioner noted that the network's strength lies in its diversity. He stressed that each state represented has its "unique and comparative advantage", which the network intends to leverage "to push innovative reforms that will bring maximum benefit to our people."
Commissioner Ahmed expressed hope that the meeting would mark the beginning of a new chapter, one where the region "leads with integrity, innovates with purpose, and delivers with impact."
Historic Milestone and Foundation for Reform
The Citizens Co-Chair of the OGP SAP III, Mubarak Abdulganiyi, spoke of the regional meeting marking a historic milestone in the collective pursuit of transparent and people-centered governance.
Abdulganiyi explained that the convening offers an opportunity for states to:
*Forge new partnerships.
* Inspire bold reforms.
* Build institutions that reflect the needs and aspirations of all citizens, including women, youth, and marginalized groups.
He described the event as a foundation for future reforms that will foster public trust, enhance sustainable development, and ensure that government actions remain responsive to the people.
Following the welcome address by the Commissioner of Kaduna State, the inaugural Open Government Partnership (OGP) Northwest Network Inception Meeting proceeded with strong messages of solidarity and commitment from participating states and non-state actors, signaling a unified regional drive toward transparent and people-centered governance.
Kano: Renewed Political Will and Strategic Leadership
Musaddiq Kabir Adam, the Senior Special Assistant to the Kano State Governor on Open Government Partnership, highlighted Kano's significant steps to deepen its open government systems. He noted that Kano has been part of the OGP process since 2012. Despite the current administration being early in its life, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has demonstrated a clear commitment to the OGP framework by revitalizing long-standing structures and appointing key actors to drive the agenda.
Adam stressed that recent governmental actions reflect a renewed determination to reinvigorate reforms through collaboration and strategic leadership. He cited the administration's political will as evident in its efforts to strengthen disclosures, improve procurement transparency, and enhance citizen engagement—all crucial for deepening accountability.
Kebbi: Citizen Involvement Key to Development
Speaking for Kebbi State, Ibrahim Ngaski, the Co-Chair for Non-State Actors in the OGP, emphasized that open government thrives only when both the state and citizens work together to shape development priorities. Ngaski explained that Kebbi has made meaningful progress because citizens are increasingly involved in government programs, especially during the budget preparation process.
He noted that a state budget becomes complete only when communities contribute to the design and implementation of projects that affect them. He added that as development efforts aim to reach the grassroots, governments must continue to create spaces where citizens engage freely and offer inputs that strengthen governance outcomes.
Unified Resolve for a New Phase
Stakeholders at the meeting expressed optimism that the Northwest region is entering a new phase of reforms driven by integrity, innovation, and people- entered decision-making. They unanimously agreed that deeper collaboration across states will accelerate the implementation of open government policies and deliver tangible benefits to citizens.
The meeting closed with a unified resolve to sustain partnerships, strengthen civic participation, and ensure that transparency becomes a defining pillar of governance across the Northwest and beyond.
 Northwest Network Inception Meeting proceeded with strong messages of solidarity and commitment from participating states and non-state actors, signaling a unified regional drive toward transparent and people-centered governance. Kano: Renewed Political Will and Strategic Leadership Musaddiq Kabir Adam, the Senior Special Assistant to the Kano State Governor on Open Government Partnership, highlighted Kano's significant steps to deepen its open government systems. He noted that Kano has been part of the OGP process since 2012. Despite the current administration being early in its life, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has demonstrated a clear commitment to the OGP framework by revitalizing long-standing structures and appointing key actors to drive the agenda. Adam stressed that recent governmental actions reflect a renewed determination to reinvigorate reforms through collaboration and strategic leadership. He cited the administration's political will as evident in its efforts to strengthen disclosures, improve procurement transparency, and enhance citizen engagement—all crucial for deepening accountability. Kebbi: Citizen Involvement Key to Development Speaking for Kebbi State, Ibrahim Ngaski, the Co-Chair for Non-State Actors in the OGP, emphasized that open government thrives only when both the state and citizens work together to shape development priorities. Ngaski explained that Kebbi has made meaningful progress because citizens are increasingly involved in government programs, especially during the budget preparation process. He noted that a state budget becomes complete only when communities contribute to the design and implementation of projects that affect them. He added that as development efforts aim to reach the grassroots, governments must continue to create spaces where citizens engage freely and offer inputs that strengthen governance outcomes. Unified Resolve for a New Phase Stakeholders at the meeting expressed optimism that the Northwest region is entering a new phase of reforms driven by integrity, innovation, and people-centered decision-making. They unanimously agreed that deeper collaboration across states will accelerate the implementation of open government policies and deliver tangible benefits to citizens. The meeting closed with a unified resolve to sustain partnerships, strengthen civic participation, and ensure that transparency becomes a defining pillar of governance across the Northwest and beyond.){kind=link}
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