Real Reason Bauchi joined OGP in 2022 — Gov Bala

Bauchi Governor, Sen Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed has said the State joined Open Government Partnership (OGP) in 2022 in order to promote transparency and citizens’ engagement in governance for growth and development.

The governor disclosed this on Thursday evening when he launched the State Action Plan 2023- 2025 of the Open Government Partnership (OGP).

He applauded the Co-Chairs and members of the Steering Committee for their commitment and efforts that resulted in the development of the maiden State Action Plan.

Speaking at the launching of the Action Plan held at the Council Chambers, Government House, Bauchi, Governor Bala said that the 2023-2025 OGP plan would focus on the Four commitment areas which include, Open Access to Information, Citizens’ Engagement, Fiscal Transparency and Strengthening Social Protection System.

Bala Mohammed noted that the commitment areas have been broken down into activities and targets for implementation by the relevant Ministries, Departments and (MDAs) in the state.

He recalled that Bauchi State had joined the Open Government Partnership (OGP) in July 2022 as part of commitment towards greater promotion of accountability, transparency and citizen engagement in governance.

According to him, the state government had, even prior to joining the OGP, made concerted efforts to institutionalise the OGP principles within the operational processes of government in all sectors.

The governor also said that Bauchi under his leadership, had demonstrated a minimum level of commitment to the OGP by ensuring that budget processes are improved and supported to deliver efficient budget preparation, participation and timely publication of budget documents.

According to him, “I wish to express my deep appreciation to USAID funded State-2-State Activity for its commitment and continuous support throughout the process leading to the State joining the OGP and to all Government officials, the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Development Partners, Communities and Religious Leaders and Global OGP for the support and collaboration in the processes of development of this first Action Plan.”

He further said, “I am pleased to note that we have, with support from USAID State2State Program developed a State Budget Operation Manual, Standard Operating Procedures for Public Engagement and publishing Budget Reports, and a Guide to the State’s Fiscal Responsibility Law to guide the processes.

“Furthermore, we have also worked to produce an Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) Expansion Strategy that was formulated through a highly consultative and participatory process involving a wide range of stakeholders”.

On inclusiveness, Bala Mohammed said that the state government has since developed and approved a State Social Protection Policy through the passage of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law; as well as the domestication of the National Gender Policy to ensure the inclusion of marginalized groups in governance among other things.

READ ALSO FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE 

• Niger coup: Northern Senators kick against ECOWAS’ proposed military onslaught

• ‘I tweeted in anger’, Tinubu’s ministerial nominee, Tijani begs Senate over unpatriotic tweets

• I once had a failed marriage —Jim Iyke

• BBNaija All Stars: My boyfriend offered 120m, I said no — Mercy

• Tinubu’s risky Niger gamble, Shetty’s embarrassment

• PHOTOS: Morocco defender, Nouhaila Benzina, makes history as first player to wear hijab at World Cup