Governor Bala unveils action plan to promote transparency in governance
Samuel Luka, Bauchi
Bauchi state Governor, senator Bala Mohammed yesterday unveiled the State Action Plan 2023- 2025 of the Open Government Partnership (OGP) with a view to promoting good governance in the state.
The Governor commended the co-chairmen 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, the governor said 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.
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’s engagement in governance.
According to him, the state government had, even prior to joining the OGP, made concerted efforts to institutionalize the OGP principles within the operational processes of government in all sectors.
The governor said 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.
“I wish express my deep appreciation to USAID funded State-2-State Activity for its commitment and continuous support throughout the processleading 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 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 for Publishing Budget Reports, and a Guide to the State’s Fiscal Responsibility Law to guide the processes”, Governor Mohammed added.
Bala Mohammed explained further that his administration has 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.
He said 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 as the domestication of the National Gender Policy to ensure the inclusion of marginalized groups in governance among other things.
“It is my hope that the co- creation and co-implementation of the plan by the Government and Civil Society actors will further enhance the relationship between the citizens and government, and ensure the citizens’ belief and trust in the governance process.” The Governor said.
Also speaking, the Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Ibrahim Kashim who is the co-chair of the OGP state actors, congratulated the Governor for the launching of the Action Plan and urged members of the Steering Committee to give their maximum support for effective and efficient implementation.
