In partnership with the Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ) and the Government of Edo State, WFD supported the advancement of the Open Government Partnership (OGP) in Edo state, Nigeria. 

A series of activities aimed at making Government more open in Edo State was realised between June and August 2019 including a sensitisation workshop for Government and CSO stakeholders and a three-day retreat for both Government and CSO stakeholders to develop the Edo State Action Plan (SAP). Each of these events was attended by over 70 government, non-state actors and the private sector. 

The Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki lauded government and the CSO’s joint effort in promoting transparency, accountability and citizen participation in the governance process.

The Governor said: 

“The government has since September 2018 subscribed to OGP initiative to improve the ease of doing business; improve compliance of public institutions with access to information, taking appropriate actions to co-ordinate Anti-Corruption activities, promote Fiscal Transparency as well as facilitating better citizens engagement”  

The Deputy Executive Director ANEEJ, Mr Leo Atakpu also highlighted that Edo State’s signing on to the OGP initiative will further entrench Government’s commitment to promoting fiscal responsibility, access to information, respect for the rule of law, creating room for ease of doing business, anti-corruption, and citizens’ engagement.

He further added that the beauty of the OGP is how it brings together State and Non-State actors to co-create policies and programmes which would be jointly implemented for the common good of all citizens.

WFD’s Adebowale Olorunmola, commended Edo Stakeholders for broadening the scope of OGP in the State with the inclusion of the State House of Assembly and the State Judiciary in the process and challenged stakeholders to ensure the State Action Plan reflects the aspiration of  Edo people and that governance reflects the OGP principles.