Action plan – Plateau, Nigeria, 2025 – 2027

At-a-Glance

Duration

May 2027

Date Submitted

31st May 2025

Foreword(s)

There is a strong economic development roadmap geared towards promoting Good Governance and driving sustainable development in Plateau State today. This is captured within the nine Pillars of the Plateau State Development Framework 2023 – 2027.

This State Action Plan aims to leverage the current commitmentOGP commitments are promises for reform co-created by governments and civil society and submitted as part of an action plan. Commitments typically include a description of the problem, concrete action... and willingness to provide efficient public service deliveryTo ensure that citizens of all groups are better supported by the government, OGP participating governments are working to improve the quality of and access to public services. Commitments in this are... More for the citizens. Towards this end, both state and non-state actors are working together to ensure the adoption of Open Government principles and ensure accountability, transparencyAccording to OGP’s Articles of Governance, transparency occurs when “government-held information (including on activities and decisions) is open, comprehensive, timely, freely available to the pub... More, and inclusiveness in governance processes across all ministries, departments, and agencies.

Following months of continuous engagement and planning discussions, which culminated in an intense 3-day co-creation processCollaboration between government, civil society and other stakeholders (e.g., citizens, academics, private sector) is at the heart of the OGP process. Participating governments must ensure that a dive..., government and civil society have developed these 5 Action Plan Commitments, from 5 Thematic Areas. Through these processes, an agreement was reached to work together in delivering these commitments, also leveraging financial and technical resources available, while actively seeking external partner support that will be required.

During the co-creation of this Second Action Plan, the thematic areas were identified to reflect the present realities and peculiarities of Plateau State, where previous commitment in the SAP 1 that witnessed some progress was replaced with newly agreed themes that are central to the current administration’s focus. Therefore, the current thematic areas as adopted by Plateau state are: Public Service Delivery, Environment, and Climate. Digital GovernanceAs evolving technologies present new opportunities for governments and citizens to advance openness and accountability, OGP participating governments are working to create policies that deal with the ... More, Open ParliamentEnsuring access to legislative information and creating mechanisms for public participation are critical to building an open, trusting relationship with citizens. Technical specifications: Commitments... More, Peace, Security, and Lands.

While there are clear indications that the impact of implementing these ambitious commitments will have a positive impact on the citizens of Plateau State, the government will require strong support from development partners to fund the achievement of these aspirations.

Open Government Challenges, Opportunities and Strategic Vision

What is the long-term vision for open government in your context and jurisdiction?

Sustainability, expansion, and replicability: Given that this administration’s term which commenced in May 2023 will end in 2027, the action plan aims to create a participatory, transparent, innovative, inclusive, and accountable governance model. It will also work to establish key institutional structures and networks that will ensure the OGP principles are embedded within governance systems. Furthermore, Lessons learned through this process will also be captured and disseminated to other states across Nigeria, leveraging the Governor’s engagements within the Nigerian Governor’s forum. Civil society actors in other states will also be engaged to utilise the document for training and support to their counterparts to replicate similar processes in their respective states.

What are the achievements in open government to date (for example, recent open government reforms)?

• Publicly published financial reports – State Budgets, Budget Performance, Audited Reports and DebtOpenly disclosing information about government debt enables informed decision-making, mitigates the risk of financial instability, and allows citizens to hold their governments accountable for respons... More Management Reports from the relevant agencies.
• Upgraded the Open ContractingA transparent procurement process, known as open contracting, increases competition, improves public service delivery, and ensures governments better value for their money. Technical specifications: C... More Platform to enhance more robust access and interaction to citizens
  • The Open Contracting platform was enhanced to manage procurement in 4 ministries that account for over 70% of the state capital budget, viz: Works, EducationAccountability within the public education system is key to improving outcomes and attainment, and accountability is nearly impossible without transparent policies and opportunities for participation ..., Health, and Agriculture
• Enhanced the state’s budgeting participatory process more
  • The citizens’ participation in budgeting was extended from the 3 zones of the state to the 17 local government areas and the 324 state wards

• Organised quarterly media appearances by the Governor and top government officials
  • The platform was created via 2 weekly radio programs on which commissioners and heads of agencies take turns to appear and engage with the citizens on trending policy issues

• Promulgated the Plateau State Monitoring and Evaluation Policy by the end of 2021
  • The Plateau State M&E Policy was developed and adopted, the first by any subnational in Nigeria

• Promulgated the Plateau State Community Development Policy by mid-2022
  • The Draft Plateau State Community Driven Development Policy was produced. Next steps is stakeholder validation and subsequent adoption by the State Executive Council

What are the current challenges/areas for improvement in open government that the jurisdiction wishes to tackle?

1. Public Service Delivery: Responsive citizen engagement in public institutions is insufficient. Also, citizens’ ability to successfully engage governance processes, particularly in terms of planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of policies, programs, and projects, is hampered by insufficient citizen-government feedback systems. Hence, the a need to improve mechanisms for efficiency of public institutions.
2. Environment and ClimateIn the face of intensifying climate change, OGP participating governments are using their action plans to increase transparency of environment-related information, ensure public oversight of climate f... More: – The impact of poor climate governance, from inadequate sanitation, improper waste management, and illegal artisanal mining activities that leave the environment degraded, as well as pose harmful climatic threats. Environmental management Plans are not adequately implemented.
3. Digital Governance: – Limited deployment of technology to enhance the efficiency of the government’s day-to-day business. Lack of connectivity and digital infrastructures for use by public sector officials hampers the optimisation of government operations.
4. Open Parliament: The inaccessibility of legislative processes minimises citizens’ engagement on legal frameworks that could enhance open government. LegislationCreating and passing legislation is one of the most effective ways of ensuring open government reforms have long-lasting effects on government practices. Technical specifications: Act of creating or r... procedures are not effectively subjected to citizens’ scrutiny, hence the need to ensure civil society better engages in parliamentary dialogue.
5. Peace, Security and Lands: – Reactive and manual response to escalating conflict that slows development and worsens the socioeconomic burden on the impacted populace. Limited use of technology to address insecurity.

What are the medium-term open government goals that the government wants to achieve?

• Establishment and Inauguration of the State Climate Assembly
• Setting up the GenderOGP participating governments are bringing gender perspectives to popular policy areas, ensuring diversity in participatory processes, and specifically targeting gender gaps in policies to address gov... More Commission in 2024 to serve as the epicentre for advancing gender equality objectives
• Upgrading the Open Contracting Platform to enhance more robust access and interaction to citizens
• Enhancing the state’s budgeting process. Making it more participatory
• Strengthening Public Service Delivery through an efficient public service response mechanism (Activation and strengthening of SERVICOM)
• Organising regular media appearances for the Governor and top government officials.
• Organising the state government media accountability forum
• Promulgating the Plateau State Public Private Partnership law by mid-2025
• Promulgating the Plateau State Community Development Policy by mid-2025
• Promulgating the Plateau State Climate Policy by mid-2025
• Deploying the Citizens Engagement Platform called by Q1-2026
• Holding the first “Plateau State Results Fair” by 1^st Quarter 2026
• Setting up the Plateau State Extractive IndustriesApplying open government values of transparency, participation, and accountability to extractive industries can decrease corruption, safeguard community interests and needs, and support environmental ... Transparency Forum by mid-2025
• Setting up the Plateau State Peace and Security Fund by Q3-2025

How does this action plan contribute to achieve the Open Government Strategic Vision?

The Plateau State Open Government Action Plan 2024 – 2027 is structured along the five thematic areas of:

• Public Service Delivery
• Environment and Climate
• Digital Governance,
• Open Parliament
• Land and Spatial PlanningFormalized, transparent, and accountable land tenure empowers citizens to invest in their own communities and protect their natural resources, as well as interact peacefully with each other, private c... More

The five Commitments (two in Fiscal Transparency and one each for the other thematic areas) are for implementing projects and programmes that promote participatory, transparent, innovative, inclusive and accountable governance that would lead to a safe, secure and adequately enabled environment for the socio-economic development of the people of Plateau State.

How does the open government strategic vision contribute to the accomplishment of the current administration’s overall policy goals?

The thrusts of the current administration’s policy centre on:

• Sustainable Economic Rebirth
• Physical Infrastructure Development
• Peace, Security and Good Governance

The OGP strategic vision on fiscal transparency will help the administration in achieving sustainable economic growth, especially with regard to boosting citizens’ trust in government, towards improving their engagement with public policy. Citizens’ engagement will support the administration’s drive towards budgeting processes, efficient resource deployment, accountability, and sustainable impact of fiscal infrastructure projects identification, planning, and implementation. The OGP vision action on public service delivery, environment and climate, digital governance, open parliament, as well as Peace, Security and Lands will contribute to the administration’s policy goals, delivering good governance, implementing developmental plans, and improving peace and security.

Engagement and Coordination in the Open Government Strategic Vision and OGP Action Plan

Please list the lead institutions responsible for the implementation of this OGP action plan.

• 1. Office of the Secretary to the Government of the State
• 2. Office for Development Partnerships, Strategic Linkages and Diaspora Engagements (Office of the G
• 3. Ministry of Information and Communication
• 4. Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Mineral Development
• 5. Ministry of Lands and Surveys
• 6. Ministry of Women’s Affairs
• 7. Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning
• 8. Ministry of Justice
• 9. Ministry of Finance
• 10. Ministry of Agriculture
• 11. Ministry of Health
• 12. Ministry of Housing and Urban Development
• 13. Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation
• 14. Plateau State House of Assembly
• 15. Bureau for Public Procurement
• 16. Plateau Environmental Protection and Sanitation Agency
• 17. Plateau Information and Communication Technology Development Agency
• 18. Plateau Agriculture and Development Programme
• 19. Plateau State Contributory Health Insurance Management Agency
• 20. Plateau State Drugs and Commodities Management Agency
• 21. Plateau State Commodities Marketing Agency
• 22. Jos Metropolitan Development Agency
• 23. Community and Social Development Agency
• 24. Plateau Peace Building Agency
• 25. Plateau State Operation Rainbow
• 26. Plateau State Sustainable Development Goals Office

What kind of institutional arrangements are in place to coordinate between government agencies and departments to implement the OGP action plan?

The State OGP Steering CommitteeThe Steering Committee is OGP’s executive decision-making body. Its role is to develop, promote and safeguard OGP’s values, principles and interests; establish OGP’s core ideas, policies, and ru..., along with the Thematic Working Group,s shall serve as the coordinating units for the implementation of the State Action Plan.

In addition, the Office for Development Partnerships, Strategic Linkages and Diaspora Engagements was established in the Office of the Governor to provide coordination among Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of the State towards implementing initiatives within the OGP action plan. Objectives identified in the Plateau State Development Framework 2023 – 2027 are adequately covered in the OGP Strategic Vision and the Commitments in the Second OGP State Action Plan.

Furthermore, the Administration has clustered MDAs into four Sub-Councils focused on the main policy thrusts in Economy and Finance, Physical Infrastructure, Human Capital Development, and Strategic Support Services. These Sub-Councils also provide coordination for MDAs delivering Initiatives in their respective clusters. Most of these Initiatives reflect the Commitments in the OGP Action Plan.

What kind of spaces have you used or created to enable the collaboration between government and civil society in the co-creation and implementation of this action plan? Mention both offline and online spaces.

1. Shared WhatsApp group for State OGP Forum, where most of the logistical coordination happens, and quick delivery of information and matters as they arise
2. Shared WhatsApp group for the Steering Committee members who also set up shared platforms for the Thematic Working Groups discussions.
3. Zoom Access set up. Periodic Zoom meetings between state and non-state actors, a few have been held so far, both jointly between state and non-state actors and also separately amongst the two groups.
4. A dedicated space within the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the State, a larger convening space within the Government House and a standing civil society meeting space within the Peace Building Agency.
5. The spaces mentioned were used in the period of preparing the draft action plan and will remain available throughout the implementation period.
6. All available state media platforms have also been made available – radio, television, print, and online platforms. Some of which have been utilised already, e.g, the phone-in radio and television programmes to solicit inputs from the public towards co-creating the state action plan.

What measures did you take to ensure diversity of representation (including vulnerable or marginalized populations) in these spaces?

Open calls were made via radio, television, and using an online Google Form to solicit the participation of all, especially Non-State Actors. In addition to these, state and non-state members of the OGP Steering Committee reached out to credible organisations in a bid to ensure diversity of the forum.

Who participated in these spaces?

• State Actors (Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies)
• Academia
• State and National NGOs
• Development Partners

How many groups participated in these spaces?

47

How many public-facing meetings were held in the co-creation process?

3

How will government and non-governmental stakeholders continue to collaborate through the implementation of the action plan?

Government and Non-Governmental Organisations intend to continuously maintain engagements and forums for building on commitments within the OGP Action Plan, identifying clear pathways towards achieving set objectives and results.

Please describe the independent Monitoring Body you have identified for this plan.

1.  –
2. Prof. Sunday Lugard – Member
3. Simon Fanto – Consultant
4. Ibrahim Faruk – Consultant
5. Sophie Bichi – M & E Expert
6. Chinenye Nwalaka – Policy Expert

Provide the contact details for the independent monitoring body.

• Ms. Yop Rwang Pam, Consultant, [email protected]
• Prof. Sunday Lugard, Member, [email protected]
• Simon Fanto, Consultant M & E Strategist, [email protected]
• Ibrahim Faruk, Consultant, [email protected]
• Sophie Bichi, M & E Expert, [email protected]
• Chinenye Nwalaka, Energy and Policy Expert, [email protected]

What types of activities will you have in place to discuss progress on commitments with stakeholders?

The Plateau State OGP Forum, as well as other stakeholders, will hold regular meetings or in accordance with the needs. The meetings will discuss progress on the implementation of the commitments and find solutions to any challenges/problems that may emerge.

Depending on the availability of development support/funding for this, some key activities may also be implemented. This will include;

• an OGP open forum/roundtable with government and citizens every 6 months to share progress, receive feedback for updating plans etc., OR –
• a yearly consultative meeting with leading national CSOs working in our thematic areas to obtain feedback on progress, share learnings and find opportunities to strengthen implementation of the SAP.

Furthermore, a template for regular review of commitments will be agreed upon with the IRM team. This would be at a quarterly or biannual basis to ensure advancements on the implementation of the action plan. The engagements of this team will be a combination of physical and virtual meetings to ensure that set timelines are met and review of progress is frequently held.

How will you regularly check in on progress with implementing agencies?

Each Lead Agency tasked with respective Commitments will develop a monthly report showing the progress of implementing the commitment. Furthermore, regular work meetings will be held by the various Thematic Working Groups to discuss progress and strategies to overcome challenges. These TWGs will also present their quarterly reports to the State OGP Forum.

An OGP focal point will be identified for each implementing agency to ensure coordination of activities and progress reports.

The focal point will work closely with the lead of each thematic action as well as the monitoring/ communications teams for each action, thereby aligning outcomes and ensuring reports cover relevant activities that have been drafted into the action plan.

How will you share the results of your monitoring efforts with the public?

The results of monitoring the implementation of the action plan will be shared with the public via online media to ensure ease of access and broader engagement. The Plateau State Government will also upload results through the official website: http://www.plateaustate.gov.ng

This is in addition to various social media accounts of the government as well as those of the State OGP Forum, such as the Plateau OGP website, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Formats of information to be disseminated will include a complete report and easy-to-understand infographics. Radio and television programmes will also be held to enhance public outreach and engagement, showcasing progress.

Endorsement from Non-Governmental Stakeholders

• Engr. David Jaafaru Wuyep, Executive Director, Fundlink AidMore and better information about aid helps partner countries and donor institutions plan and manage aid resources more effectively, parliaments and civil society to hold governments accountable for t... International
• Bitrus A. Sauta, Head Of Finance and Admin, Country Women Association of Nigeria (COWAN)
• Abel Nangor Gaya, Information and Communication Specialist, Centre for Carbon Literacy and sustainable Education initiative
• Esther L. Kareem, State Coordinator, Nigerian Trefoil Guide Girl Guides Plateau State
• Sho Godiya Godwin, Monitoring and Evaluation Lead, Jos Green Centre
• Peter Iorapuu, Peter Iorapuu, Centre for Healthcare and Economic Empowerment for Women and YouthRecognizing that investing in youth means investing in a better future, OGP participating governments are creating meaningful opportunities for youth to participate in government processes. Technical ... More (CHCEEWY
• Salis Muhammad Abdulsalam, Executive Director, Displaced Women and Children Foundation
• Yil Fomwul Gonsum, Executive Director, Saphira Global Centre for Social Development
• Ayuba Remikat Blessing, Project Manager, Christian Council of Nigeria Peace Building and Trauma Healing Centre
• Ngochal Bejimwa Deborah, Director Media, Easy Sales Export
• Vivien Abara, Executive Director, Peace Advancement Action Against Violence and Rape Foundation
• Steve Suleiman Dikwa, Chief Executive Officer, Green Sahara Farms
• David James Buoro, CEO, NetAccess Foundation
• Prince Charles Dickson, Team Lead, Tataunawa Roundtable Initiative
• Winnifred Daboer, Member, OGP Youth Collective
• Obinna Okoye, Financial/Logistics Manager, Centre for Youth Participation, Dialogue and Advocacy Africa
• Nerat Yakubu Gyang, M & E Support Officer, Connected Development
• Emmanuel Bature, Executive Director, Africa Youth Leadership and Democratic Centre
• Adeyemi Akeem George, Programs Associate, Equity International Initiative
• Gloria Bako, Secretary, Youth Development and Rehabilitation Initiative
• Bakali Maina, Logistics Officer, International Organization for Peacebuilding and Social Justice
• Abraham Nuhu, Secretary, Jos Green Centre
• Simi Richard, Treasurer, Angwan Ujah Youth Connect
• Mr. Steve Aluko, Convener, Coalition of Civil Society in Plateau State.
• Rev. Samuel Goro, Executive Director, Centre for peace advancement (CEPAN)
• Hajiya Aishatu Aliyu Usman, Executive Director, Unique Centre for peace building and Trauma healing
• James Ameh, Deputy Director, University of Jos
• Dr. Emmanuel Ande Ivorgba, Executive Director, Centre for Faith and Community Development
• Kingsley Obida, Executive Director, Centre for the Advocacy of Justice and Rights (CAJR)
• Shalom Kasim, Executive Director Programme Officer, International Centre for Peace, Charities and Human Development (INTERCEP)
• Jummai Madaki, Coordinator, Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA)
• Wuyep Mantim Nandam, Legal Staff, Fund link Aid International
• Rose Ngyou, Director of Programmes, Social Justice and Human Development for Peace Initiative (JDPC)
• David Busa BujiCommunity Based Development Non- Governmental Organization (CBD-NGO, Programme Coordinator, Community Based Development Non- Governmental Organization (CBD-NGO
• Bali Nanmak, President, Plateau Peace Practitioners Network

Chief Executive Officer Support Letter 

Commitments:

• Establish the Plateau State Climate Assembly through improving Climate Action
• Establish and Strengthen Digital Governance Practice in Plateau State
• Activate and Strengthen Public Service Delivery in Plateau State through SERVICOM