To enhance transparency, accountability, and development across the 18 Local Government Areas of Edo State, the Edo State Local Government Service Commission has committed to adopting the Open Government Partnership (OGP).
This initiative aims to reform key administrative functions, including hiring, discipline, promotions, salary payments, and pensions at the local government level.
The Chairman of the Commission, Hon. Damian Lawani, made this known during a working visit to the African Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ) headquarters in Benin City.
Accompanied by members of the commission, including representatives from Edo Central, Edo North, and divisional heads, Hon. Lawani emphasized ANEEJ’s role as a long-standing advocate for transparency and accountability in governance.
“ANEEJ is well known locally and internationally for its advocacy in governance reforms, and we are prepared to work with you to implement OGP in Edo State’s local governments.
“Promotion must align with service delivery, and we seek ANEEJ’s partnership in capacity building as a quick-win strategy for commission members and staff,” said Hon. Lawani.
Speaking on behalf of the Local Government Administrators, Dr. Odigie Francis, Head of Local Government Administration (HOLGA), Ovia South West LGA, reiterated the collective readiness of all 18 LGAs in Edo State to implement the OGP framework, stating that their goal is to make Edo’s local government system a benchmark for accountability and good governance in Nigeria.
Former Chief of Staff to the Edo State Governor, Chief Taiwo Akerele, stressed the urgent need for local governments to harness their potential in driving grassroots development.
“Local governments must play their part in ensuring food security, healthcare, and education.
“OGP must be institutionalized at the local level in Edo State,” he emphasized.
Welcoming the delegation, Rev. David Ugolor, Executive Director of ANEEJ, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting local government reforms.
He noted that the appointment of progressive leaders like Hon. Lawani provides an opportunity to advance governance improvements at the grassroots level.
Rev. Ugolor highlighted ANEEJ’s track record in governance reforms, citing previous collaborations that led to the establishment of the Edo State Oil and Gas Mineral Producing Areas Development Commission (EDSOGPADEC), the Public Procurement Law, Fiscal Responsibility Law, and Social Protection Policy, among others.
At the end of the meeting, both parties agreed to set up a technical committee to develop a short-, medium–, and long-term plan for OGP implementation in Edo State’s local governments.
