Budget Implementation: CSO Makes Recommendations for Kogi OGP Impact

From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja

Mr. Hamza Aliu Ibrahim, Executive Director of Initiative for Grassroot Advancement in Nigeria (INGRA) has advocated for capacity building within relevant government agencies to enhance their ability to effectively plan, implement, and monitor activities as contain in the Kogi State Open Government Partnership (OGP) action plan.

The Executive Director noted that the Open Government Partnership as a global initiative is aimed at ensuring accountability, transparency, fight against corruption, inclusiveness and empowerment of citizens

Hamza Ibrahim while speaking at a One-day Dissemination Meeting of The Kogi State 2024 Budget Analysis To The Open Government Partnership (OGP) in Lokoja on Thursday, also affirmed that OGP’s role in ensuring effective implementation of Kogi budget cannot be overemphasized.

He recommended for training programmes on the concept of OGP and its importance to usher-in people-oriented governance in Kogi State.

According to him “The Steering Committee on OGP should be fully committed to ensuring follow up with the thematic Technical Working Groups towards achieving specific commitments as contained in the Kogi OGP action plan such as advocating for resource releases for relevant MDAs to achieve set out commitments

“We also recommend a continued and expanded advocacy engagement with relevant authorities and stakeholders, emphasizing the importance of 100% OGP commitment implementation and the need to collaborate more with civil society organisations, private sector, women’s groups, and other stakeholders to communicate and amplify the impact of OGP activities in the state

“In all, the Kogi State 2024 Approved Revised Budget indicates a positive step towards increased transparency and citizen participation. However, continued efforts towards implementing these initiatives through fund releases and ensuring public access to information will be crucial for Kogi State to fully realize the benefits of OGP membership” the Executive Director maintained.

Participants for the One-day Dissemination Meeting were drawn from government, civil society organisations, religious bodies, private sector and the Media.