KADLGAM Deepens Transparency In Kaduna, Trains 552 Across 23 LGAs

By; JULIET EKWENUGO, Kaduna

The Kaduna Local Government Accountability Mechanism (KADLGAM) has intensified efforts to promote transparency, accountability, and citizen participation across the 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Kaduna State with renewed focus on climate action and inclusive governance.

Supported by the Partnership for Agile Governance and Climate Engagement (PACE) and the LAFIYA Programme, KADLGAM restructured and inaugurated its Technical Working Groups (TWGs) in all the LGAs, with the council chairmen presiding over the official ceremonies.

In a statement jointly signed by Yusuf Ishaku Goje, State Lead of KADLGAM; Babangida Garba, CDC Coordinator for Kaduna North Senatorial District; Usman Adamu, Coordinator for Kaduna Central; Godwin Kumai Akau, Coordinator for Kaduna South; and Seth Luke, Civil Society Co-chair of the OGP Technical Working Group on Strengthening Participatory Budget Process, the group explained that 552 members drawn from both state and non-state actors were trained across the 23 LGAs.

The group reiterated that the initiative was part of ongoing efforts to deepen governance reforms at the grassroots.

According to KADLGAM, the capacity-building sessions focused on key areas such as the Open Government Partnership (OGP) framework, Community Development Charter (CDC) process, Local Government Fiscal Transparency, Accountability and Sustainability (LFTAS) Programme, Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equity (HOPE) Programme, and Community Engagement on Climate-related Shock-Responsive Social Protection.

“Through a whole-of-society approach, KADLGAM is empowering local governments to embrace participatory governance, fiscal transparency, and climate-responsive planning. This ensures that citizens’ voices influence decisions that directly affect their communities”.

The statement noted that 23 LG Action Plans were co-created by state and non-state actors in line with OGP’s Public Participation and Co-creation Standards.

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It added that Civil Society Climate Action Advocates have been appointed to work alongside Climate Change Champions to promote local-level climate mitigation and adaptation initiatives.

“A permanent dialogue mechanism has also been established in all LGAs to institutionalize citizen engagement and ensure continuous communication between communities and local government authorities”.

The statement commended the Ministry for Local Government Affairs, the 23 LG Chairmen, and development partners for their continued support, urging all stakeholders to sustain efforts towards building a more transparent, accountable, and inclusive governance system in Kaduna State.