This action plan document outlines Niger State’s roadmap for promoting open governance through the Open Government Partnership (OGP) framework for the period 2019 to 2021. As one of Nigeria’s reform-minded subnational governments, Niger State used this plan to commit to a more transparent, accountable, and participatory governance structure, prioritizing the role of citizens in shaping public policy and monitoring service delivery.
The document is structured around four thematic areas and includes seven core commitments. Under Fiscal Transparency, the state pledged to enhance citizen participation throughout the budget cycle, implement open contracting standards, and make revenue generation more transparent and efficient. Specific activities included publishing the budget calendar and citizens' guide, organizing public hearings and town halls, and establishing procurement data banks.
In the area of Access to Information, the plan addressed the absence of a legal framework granting citizens enforceable rights to government-held records. It proposed the development of a freedom of information policy, designation and training of information desk officers, and issuance of executive orders to institutionalize public access to information.
The Citizens’ Engagement and Empowerment pillar aimed to institutionalize permanent platforms for dialogue between the government and the public. This included forums, media engagement, radio phone-ins, and the development of a digital feedback portal to ensure continuous two-way communication and community-led accountability.
Under Service Delivery, the state committed to improving public services in education, health, water, and agriculture through human resource reforms and institutional responsiveness. Key initiatives included the development of service charters, reactivation of the SERVICOM directorate, and creation of a teacher education policy to address poor learning outcomes.
The document emphasizes a whole-of-government approach, extending OGP principles to local government administration. It also introduces cross-cutting strategies around ICT, monitoring and evaluation, and financial management to support implementation. The plan was co-created through multi-stakeholder workshops, focus group discussions, and digital consultations involving both government and civil society.
With this action plan, Niger State set the foundation for a more open and inclusive governance culture where policies are shaped collaboratively, service delivery is improved, and citizens are empowered to demand accountability.
