By Ehis Agbon, Kaduna
The Kaduna Local Government Accountability Mechanism (KADLGAM) has inaugurated and trained Technical Working Groups (TWGs) across all 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state, in a move to strengthen participatory governance, transparency, accountability, and climate action.
The initiative, supported by the Partnership for Agile Governance & Climate Engagement (PACE) and the LAFIYA Programme, is designed to entrench the principles of the Open Government Partnership (OGP) at the grassroots while integrating climate action into local governance.
Speaking at the official inauguration, council chairmen across the LGAs reaffirmed their commitment to deepening reforms in critical sectors such as health, education, agriculture, and social protection.
KADLGAM disclosed that 552 TWG members received capacity-building training on OGP principles, Community Development Charter (CDC) processes, Local Government Fiscal Transparency, Accountability and Sustainability (LFTAS), Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equity (HOPE) programme, and community engagement on climate-related, shock-responsive social protection.
“The 23 LGA action plans, developed through a co-creation process, align with OGP’s public participation and co-creation standards. Civil Society Climate Action Advocates will now work with Climate Change Champions to drive climate change mitigation and adaptation activities,” KADLGAM said in a statement jointly signed by its state lead, Yusuf Ishaku Goje, and other coordinators.
According to the group, a permanent dialogue mechanism has been established to institutionalize community engagement, ensuring that citizens’ voices are heard in local government decision-making processes.
Since its establishment in 2019 under Section 57 of the Kaduna State Local Government Reform Law (2018), KADLGAM has served as a co-creation platform where state and non-state actors collaborate to implement development plans, monitor budgets, and promote participatory audits.
The mechanism praised the support of its development partners, including the FCDO-funded PACE and LAFIYA Programme, as well as the Kaduna Ministry for Local Government Affairs and the 23 local government chairmen.
“We urge all stakeholders to continue supporting KADLGAM’s efforts to build a more inclusive and responsive governance system that serves the needs of all citizens,” the statement added.
