Anambra East Local Government Area has been officially announced as the first Nigeria member of the Open Government Partnership (OGP), an international collaboration that unites government entities and civil society organizations in enacting substantial reforms to enhance government transparency and responsiveness to citizens’ needs.
Chosen from a pool of 138 applications worldwide, Anambra East LGA is now part of a network of leaders who collaborate with citizens and civil society groups to implement tailored action plans aimed at enhancing their communities through open government strategies.
This partnership connects Anambra East Local Government to a global network consisting of 75 nations and 140 local governments, providing avenues for collaboration and potential funding opportunities from across the globe.
It is noteworthy that Anambra East stands as the sole LGA in Nigeria and among fewer than 20 local governments in Africa to gain admission to this prestigious global partnership following a rigorous post-application selection process.
Dr. Anselm C Onuorah, TC Chairman of Anambra East LGA, expressed delight in joining the Open Government Partnership, attributing the achievement to the supportive leadership of Governor Prof Charles Chukwuma Soludo. This signifies the effective functioning of the third tier of government and the autonomy granted to LGA chairmen to initiate growth and development within their respective LGAs.
Sanjay Pradhan, CEO of the Open Government Partnership, welcomed the addition of 55 new local jurisdictions to the network, emphasizing governments’ collective commitment to better serve citizens’ needs. By embracing open government approaches, Anambra East is now uniquely positioned to respond effectively to citizen demands due to its proximity to communities.
Natalia Carfi, a member of the OGP Steering Committee, highlighted the diversity among selected members, including those from countries without previous local representation in OGP. This reflects the Partnership’s efforts to expand its reach and promote open government principles at all levels and branches of government.
The Open Government Partnership serves as a platform for leaders to form coalitions, exchange insights, and collaborate with peers worldwide to devise better policies for citizens. Since its inception, OGP Local members have co-created over 120 action plans and committed to implementing more than 475 open government initiatives, driving meaningful change in their respective contexts.
