***Move targets improved transparency, accountability in public service delivery
By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
The Kogi State Government has unveiled a Service Charter for selected Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) as part of efforts to strengthen transparency, accountability and efficiency in public service delivery.
The initiative was implemented in collaboration with the Initiative for Grassroots Advancement in Nigeria (INGRA) under the framework of the Open Government Partnership (OGP).
The Service Charter was unveiled during a stakeholders’ meeting involving representatives of participating MDAs and civil society organisations operating in the state.
The charter outlines clearly defined service standards, timelines and institutional responsibilities expected from government agencies, while also providing citizens with mechanisms to demand accountability and quality service from public offices.
Presenting an overview of the document, Mr. Ikechukwu Mpama, Programme Officer for the Kogi Loop Project, explained that the Service Charter establishes measurable service benchmarks for government institutions.
According to him, the framework enables citizens to hold public institutions accountable by clearly stating service expectations and timelines for delivery.
The unveiling exercise was facilitated through collaboration between the Kogi State Government—represented by the Office of the Head of Service—and non-state actors led by INGRA through the state OGP Secretariat.
Speaking at the event, Executive Director of INGRA, Hamza Aliyu, described the unveiling as a significant milestone in the state’s efforts to improve public sector service delivery.
Aliyu commended Ahmed Usman Ododo for his commitment to the OGP process, particularly for directing MDAs through the Office of the Head of Service to establish Kogi State Service Compact (SERVICOM) units.
He noted that service delivery is one of the core thematic commitments under the OGP framework, stressing that government institutions must ensure their services meet the expectations of citizens.
“This initiative ensures that citizens receive the services they deserve while also empowering them to raise concerns where there are lapses through the SERVICOM desk offices, which serve as grievance redress mechanisms,” he said.
Aliyu added that feedback from citizens would enable government authorities to take appropriate corrective measures, including sanctions or capacity-building interventions for responsible officials.
Also speaking, the Co-Chair of the Non-State Actors arm of the Kogi State OGP, Idris Ozovehe Muraina, described the unveiling as a landmark achievement in implementing the state’s OGP commitments.
Muraina explained that the OGP is a global multi-stakeholder initiative aimed at promoting openness, transparency and accountability in governance.
He noted that Kogi State joined the partnership in 2022 and subsequently developed its State Action Plan in 2024 to guide governance reforms between 2024 and 2026.
According to him, the Service Charter represents one of the key implementation tools within that action plan.
He disclosed that three pilot MDAs were selected to pioneer the initiative: the Ministry of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, the Ministry of Education and the OGP Secretariat.
“The Service Charter is a document that empowers citizens to hold government institutions accountable because it clearly outlines the mandates and obligations of the ministries,” he said.
In his remarks, Executive Director of Conscience for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution (CHRCR), Miliki Idris Abdul, commended the state government for the progress made under the OGP initiative.
He, however, urged MDAs across the state to develop functional websites to further strengthen transparency and public access to information.
“A process has commenced. The OGP, which is a global concept, is becoming more popular and citizens will now start asking questions,” he said.
