By Ehis Agbon, Kaduna, Nigeria.
A major milestone in the push for transparency and accountability in governance was achieved on Thursday, October 2, 2025, with the launch of the first-ever Nigeria Students and Youth Community of Practice (CoP) on Open Contracting in Kaduna State.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Open Government Partnership (OGP) Technical Working Group on Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) and Open Contracting for Infrastructure Data Standard (OC4IDS), in collaboration with the OpenGov Youth Innovation Hub and civil society partners, brought together youth leaders, students, government officials, and private sector actors.
Speaking at the event, the Director General of the Kaduna Public Procurement Authority (KADPPA) emphasized the state’s commitment to transparency, while stakeholders hailed the move as historic in placing youths at the centre of public procurement — a first of its kind in Nigeria.
Key Outcomes
The CoP is designed to equip young people with the knowledge and tools to demand accountability in governance while also preparing them to actively participate in procurement processes. Stakeholders noted that while Kaduna State has made significant progress in data accessibility, challenges remain in ensuring citizen participation and sustaining reforms.
The communiqué issued at the end of the launch highlighted several resolutions, including:
- Creation of a WhatsApp platform to coordinate CoP activities.
- Establishment of CoP cohorts across higher institutions in Kaduna State.
- Training and mentorship for students on open contracting and procurement processes.
- Support for youth-led businesses to become certified government suppliers.
- Advocacy for the use of local labor in government procurement to drive economic growth.
- Partnerships with NGOs and donor organizations to train youths on bidding and tendering processes.
Stakeholders’ Voices
While civil society leaders underscored the importance of sustained reforms, the private sector commended the Kaduna State Government for recognizing the innovative potential of young people in strengthening procurement outcomes and deepening civic trust.
The communiqué also revealed that many youths in attendance were unaware of KADPPA’s mandate, underscoring the need for increased awareness about the authority’s role in procurement oversight.
Call to Action
Stakeholders urged greater support for the new Community of Practice, stressing that empowering students and youths to contribute meaningfully to governance would not only enhance transparency but also accelerate inclusive development in Kaduna State.
The communiqué was jointly signed by Stephen Waya, Co-chair of the OCDS/OC4IDS initiative; Habiba Suleiman of the OpenGov Youth Innovation Hub; Augustine Peter, a student representative from Kaduna Polytechnic; and Waniya Ilu of the Civic Impact for Sustainable Development Foundation.
