Nigeria has applied to join the Open Government Partnership (OGP), a global coalition in the fight against corruption.
This was contained in a statement by Salisu Isah, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Mr Abubakar Malami (SAN).
The minister, in a letter to the OGP Steering Committee, said Nigeria, by joining the organisation, had committed to transparency and accountability in the management of public office.
“I am honoured to submit this letter of intent to the Open Government Partnership Steering Committee on behalf of Nigeria and to express Nigeria’s commitment to join the partnership.
“As you are aware, Nigeria meets the eligibility criteria set out by the OGP and the government of Nigeria is strongly committed to the principles of Open Government.
“By joining OGP, the government of Nigeria commits to transparency and accountability in the management of public office.
“We believe that the OGP membership will enhance innovation, economic development and accelerate the transformation of our public service.”
The Attorney-General said that it was important to note that Nigeria was already participating actively in the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) process and implementing the EITI standards.
He emphasised that Nigeria had also enacted the Public Procurement Act and the Fiscal Responsibility Act to enhance transparency in public contracting, public procurement and the management of public finance.
“Nigeria has also improved access to information through the enactment of the Freedom of Information Act and the Code of Conduct Bureau Act.
“The requirement for the disclosure of assets by public officials is embedded in the constitution and all public officers are required to declare their assets every four years.
“Against this background, Nigeria is committed to working with you and other countries within the OGP framework to implement the OGP initiatives.
“This is with major focus on accountability of government institutions, enhancing freedom of information and corporate ownership transparency, particularly in the extractive industry.’’
The OGP was launched in 2011 and its membership has grown from eight to 69 countries. Currently, only eight are from the African continent.
With this letter, Nigeria intends to become the ninth African nation to join the coalition with the intention that it would aid its anti-graft war.
