The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering stronger collaboration between government institutions and civil society through the Open Government Partnership (OGP) platform.
Minister of Youth Development and State Actor Co-Chair of OGP Nigeria, Ayodele Olawande, made this known during a meeting with civil society actors and OGP secretariat representatives in Abuja. He highlighted the critical role non-state actors play in promoting transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in governance.
According to Olawande, the OGP remains an effective channel for continuous engagement between ministries and civil society groups. He acknowledged the influence and mentorship of elder statesmen and civil society leaders in shaping progress so far.
He also stressed the need to instill strong values, value-driven leadership, and civic consciousness in Nigerian youths to build a more united and progressive nation.
Chief Executive Officer of the OGP Global Support Unit, Aiden Eyakuze, echoed similar sentiments, noting that governance challenges in Nigeria stem from a gradual erosion of values rather than a mere lack of accountability. He emphasised the importance of consistent engagement between ministries and civil society, and credited the OGP secretariat and stakeholders for their sustained contributions.
Incoming Global OGP Co-Chair, Soji Apampa, commended Olawande for his inclusive leadership and expressed optimism about deepening discussions on OGP’s future direction in Nigeria, especially regarding leadership transition and sustainability.
