Kaduna Extends OGP Reforms, Deepens Citizens Participation
By Umar Faruk Tukur
Kaduna State has commenced the validation of its extended Open Government Partnership (OGP) State Action Plan III for 2024–2027, aimed at sustaining reforms, strengthening accountability and expanding citizens participation in governance.
Speaking at the one-day validation meeting held on Thursday in Kaduna, the Citizens Co-Chair of OGP, Mubarak Abdulganiy, said the extension became necessary following emerging developments and stakeholder engagements that required continuity beyond the initial leadership cycle expected to end in December 2025.
He explained that the consultations highlighted the need to protect ongoing reforms and ensure alignment with evolving governance priorities in the state.
According to him, validating the extension would help accommodate new priorities, consolidate progress already made and encourage stakeholders to develop stronger reform commitments.
Abdulganiy added that wider engagements with communities and citizens had shown the need to deepen inclusion and participation at all levels of governance.
Also speaking, the Kaduna OGP Point of Contact, Tara Jeremiah, stressed the importance of clearly defined milestones, noting that they represent measurable outcomes capable of driving positive change.
He said the validation process involved collaboration among government, citizens, media and civil society organisations to ensure inclusiveness and transparency in the development of the action plan.
In his remarks, the Government Co-Chair of OGP and Commissioner of Planning and Budget Commission, Mukthar Ahmed, said the extension of the action plan was a deliberate step to sustain reforms and align SAP III with the administration of Governor Uba Sani.
Ahmed, who is also the Chairman of the State Steering Committee of OGP, said the decision was guided by the OGP local handbook and aimed at ensuring continuity of ongoing reform initiatives.
He commended civil society organisations, ministries, departments and agencies, as well as Technical Working Groups, for reviewing existing commitments and proposing new milestones.
According to him, the validation meeting was convened to review the proposed milestones, ensure alignment with state priorities and formally adopt the action plan in line with co-creation principles.
Ahmed urged participants to engage actively, identify gaps and refine weak proposals to ensure the final document remains practical, measurable and results-driven.