The Kano State Government has officially inaugurated the Open Government Partnership (OGP) Steering Committee, a strategic move aimed at enhancing transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance.
The inauguration ceremony, held at the Ministry for Public Procurement, Project Monitoring and Evaluation (MPPPME), Kano, brought together representatives from government institutions, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and media stakeholders, reflecting the multi-sectoral nature of the initiative.
In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of MPPPME, Engr. Garba Adamu, expressed gratitude to the state governor, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, for his unwavering support toward the committee’s establishment.
“We deeply appreciate His Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, for championing this initiative that bridges government and civil society reformers, fostering collaboration to promote integrity, transparency, and accountability,” Adamu said.
Providing an overview, the Honourable Commissioner for MPPPME and Government Co-Chair of OGP, Comrade Nura Iro Ma’aji Sumaila, described the partnership as “a global, multi-stakeholder platform dedicated to advancing transparency, citizen participation, inclusion, and accountability in governance processes.”
He added, “The OGP creates a unique opportunity for reformers within and outside government to engage in constructive dialogue and collectively address issues affecting citizens both locally and globally.”
On the structure of the Steering Committee, the Commissioner explained that it has equal representation from government and civil society, with eight members each. “This balance is essential to ensuring inclusivity and shared ownership of the reform process,” he said.
Highlighting the next steps, Comrade Sumaila noted that Kano State already has a State Action Plan covering the 2024–2026 period. “With only a few months remaining, we will soon reconvene to be guided by the principle of co-creation, ensuring that all stakeholders actively contribute to shaping and implementing the State Action Plan,” he stated.
In his goodwill message, the Civil Society Co-Chair of OGP, Abdulrazaq Ali, commended the state government for its commitment to the initiative, noting ongoing efforts in key thematic areas such as anti-corruption, access to information, access to justice, climate change, and service delivery.
The newly inaugurated State Steering Committee includes high-level government officials such as the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran; the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Waiya; Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Alhaji Musa Sulaiman Shanono; the Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Dahiru Hashim; and the SSA to Governor on OGP, Musaddiq Kabir Adam.
Other members include the Permanent Secretary of MPPPME, Engr. Garba Adamu; the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Science and Technology; and the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Bldr Mas’ud Lado Saleh, among other key stakeholders.
The inauguration of the OGP Steering Committee marks a significant milestone in Kano State’s drive toward open governance, signaling a renewed commitment to transparency, citizen engagement, and responsive public service delivery.
