Stephen Enoch
The Kano Open Government Partnership (OGP) has disseminated its State Action Plan (SAP II 2024-2026) and Anti-corruption Strategy 2024-2028.
The workshop was supported by the Organization for Community Civic Engagement and National Endowment for Democracy on Tuesday at Tahir Guest Palace.
The SAP is at the core of participation and implementation of OGP. In Kano, it was developed by state actors (Government) and non-state actors (Civil Society), working together to define the commitments across thematic areas.
Stallion Times reports that the Kano State Anti-corruption Strategy (2024–2028) which is aimed at tackling corruption and promoting integrity across the state was unveiled in December 2024.
During a event, the State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comr. Ibrahim Waiya, emphasized the government’s commitment to fostering citizen-driven governance.
He explained that SAP II aims to increase accountability, openness, and citizen engagement in policymaking and implementation.
“We are expecting improved service delivery through citizens’ participation, where their input will shape action plans that address their concerns.
“When fully implemented, we anticipate increased accountability, transparency, and an empowered citizenry with critical access to information,” he said.
He further highlighted that the current administration under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf prioritizes accountability and transparency, making Kano’s government one of the most open and transparent administrations in recent history.
The Kano State OGP Co-Chair (State Actors), Abdullai Musa, who is also the State Head of Service, stressed the significance of continuity in the OGP process.
According to him, SAP II builds on the successes of the initial action plan and focuses on delivering tangible benefits to Kano residents.
“This initiative aims to improve service delivery in education, healthcare, and other essential sectors. The transparency embedded in OGP will ensure the common man benefits from these developments,” Musa said.
On his part, Abdulrazak Alkali, the Civil Society (Non-state Actors) Co-chair of OGP Kano, emphasized the importance of grassroots engagement and the fight against corruption.
“With His Excellency’s approval, OGP will engage Kano people to ensure transparent governance and service delivery.
“The initiative also addresses corruption, and we are optimistic that stakeholders will access budget provisions to drive its implementation,” added.
The State Program Coordinator of Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC), Ibrahim Idris Bello, highlighted significant progress made in promoting transparency.
He commended Kano State for being the first in Nigeria to establish a Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission but noted the absence of a guiding law for asset recovery.
“OGP has led efforts to domesticate the Proceeds of Crime Act in Kano, and we now have a draft bill in place. We are optimistic this will become law in a few months.”
On environmental concerns, Umar Saleh Anka, Director of Climate Change at the Kano State Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, called for integrating climate change into governance processes.
he said: “Climate change poses serious challenges, including resource conflicts and economic hardship. Transparency and resilience-focused planning will help mitigate these issues and build a sustainable city.”
He also expressed optimism that the successful implementation of SAP II will strengthen governance and create an inclusive, transparent, and accountable government in Kano State.
The Open Government Partnership (OGP) is a multilateral initiative aimed at securing commitments from national and sub-national governments to promote open government, combat corruption, and improve governance.[
It brings together government and civil society to co-create and implement action plans that promote open governance. The partnership aims to strengthen democratic institutions and improve service delivery.
