By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
The Federal Government has unveiled the National Action Plan IV (NAP IV), a youth-focused framework aimed at strengthening transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in governance.
The unveiling took place during the 22nd National Steering Committee Meeting of the Nigeria Open Government Partnership held in Abuja, where the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, formally handed over his role as State Actors Co-Chair of the committee.
Olawande described the occasion as one marked by gratitude, reflection, and optimism for the future of open governance in Nigeria. He commended stakeholders including government institutions, civil society organisations, the private sector, academia, development partners, and citizens for supporting reforms.
Reflecting on achievements since 2024, the minister said extensive consultations were carried out across the country and beyond, giving Nigerians from diverse backgrounds the opportunity to contribute to governance processes.
He noted that the implementation of National Action Plan III recorded progress in accountability, access to information, and citizen participation.
According to him, the newly launched NAP IV contains 12 commitments across six thematic areas, including digital governance, justice and human rights, anti-corruption, civic space, and climate action.
Olawande said the plan reflects the aspirations of young Nigerians seeking greater trust, transparency, and accountability in government, adding that its success would depend on effective implementation.
He also praised his outgoing Co-Chair, Obialunanma Nnaobi-Ayodele, as well as the OGP Secretariat and members of the 3rd National Steering Committee for their support.
In his inaugural remarks, the new State Actors Co-Chair and Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, pledged to build on existing progress and deepen collaboration between state and non-state actors.
Bagudu reaffirmed government commitment to ensuring OGP reforms translate into improved governance and better service delivery for Nigerians, with continued focus on fiscal transparency, anti-corruption, access to information, and public service delivery.
The incoming Non-State Actors Co-Chair, Olusoji Apampa, also acknowledged progress made in financial transparency, open contracting, open budgeting, and access to information.
He described the achievements as evidence that openness remains a practical tool for delivering benefits to citizens and pledged to work with the new leadership to sustain reforms.
