Transparency, Transformation, and Trust: Soludo Unveils Anambra’s Second Open Government Roadmap [PDF]

 

Anambra State has unveiled its second Open Government Partnership (OGP) Action Plan, signaling a renewed commitment to inclusive governance, transparency, and sustainable development. Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, emphasized that this new roadmap is a continuation of the state’s legacy of open, people-centered governance deeply rooted in the Igbo cultural philosophy that underscores collective responsibility — “…Anyukoo Nwamili Onu Ogboo Ufufu…” meaning, “when one helps their neighbor cry out, the cries echo far.”

Joining the Open Government Partnership in 2017, Anambra State was among the early subnational governments in Nigeria to embrace the global call for transparency and accountability in governance. The first action plan laid the groundwork for reform in several crucial sectors, from demystifying the state’s budget processes to addressing environmental concerns like erosion and ensuring integrity within Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

Building on these gains, the second OGP Action Plan charts an even more ambitious path. It aims to transform Anambra into a clean, green, and prosperous hub—both livable and business-friendly. This iteration moves beyond policy drafting to establish a public, community, and private partnership (PCPP) model designed to allow citizens to take ownership of governance processes from conception to execution.

Governor Soludo, in his address, described the new plan as not only a governance tool but also a moral imperative. “Government cannot do it alone,” he said. “This is a collaborative mission. It is about co-creating policies and assessing them through evidence, together with the people.”

The plan’s priorities are bold and multifaceted: strengthening law and order, driving economic transformation, restoring Anambra’s core societal values, and creating a responsive and accountable public service system. It places significant emphasis on inclusive decision-making, reflecting a conscious effort to bridge the gap between policy and people.

One of the hallmark principles of the new action plan is openness. The government intends to make data and decisions more accessible to the public. By encouraging civic participation and feedback loops, the plan promises to increase public trust and ensure that state-led initiatives are both effective and reflective of community needs.

Non-state actors played a vital role in co-creating the plan. Civil society organizations, grassroots groups, and international development partners all had seats at the table, working hand-in-hand with government officials to ensure that commitments are relevant, realistic, and responsive.

Environmental sustainability also features prominently. With a strong focus on green initiatives, the plan aligns with the global sustainable development agenda while addressing local challenges such as erosion and waste management.

Moreover, the action plan is seen as a tool to rebuild social order, revive fading values, and foster a culture of integrity. By intertwining governance with communal ethos, Anambra hopes to lead by example in Nigeria and beyond.

As Governor Soludo aptly summarized, this is not just another document. It’s a covenant — a social contract reaffirming that governance works best when it is open, inclusive, and participatory. The second Anambra OGP Action Plan is not merely an aspiration; it is a call to action, one that seeks to transform governance into a shared enterprise and make Anambra a beacon of progressive, people-powered development. 

Click here to view/download the complete Anambra State Open Governorship Partnership (OGP) Action Plan II