FENRAD applauds Abia over $500,000 World Bank governance grant, demands transparent implementation

Nkem Ukaegbu, Umuahia

Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD), Nigeria, has commended the Abia State Government for qualifying for the US$500,000 World Bank-backed HOPE Governance Performance Grant, describing the achievement as a strong endorsement of the state’s commitment to transparency, accountability and sound public financial management.

In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, the organisation said the grant reflects the success of deliberate governance reforms designed to promote openness, responsible public sector management and improved public confidence in government institutions.

FENRAD noted that meeting the governance benchmarks required under the programme demonstrates Abia State’s resolve to strengthen institutional capacity and improve governance practices.

The organisation, however, stressed that the real measure of success would not be the acquisition of the grant itself but how effectively the funds are deployed to improve governance systems, enhance service delivery and deliver tangible benefits to residents of the state.

According to FENRAD, the implementation phase presents an opportunity for the Abia State Government to deepen public sector reforms through an inclusive and transparent approach that actively involves critical stakeholders.

The group urged the government to engage Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), community leaders, development partners, professional associations and citizens throughout the implementation process to ensure broad ownership and long-term sustainability of the reforms.

FENRAD maintained that meaningful stakeholder participation would strengthen transparency, build public trust and improve accountability while ensuring that governance reforms are responsive to the needs of the people.

The organisation also advocated the institutional inclusion of Civil Society Organisations in the planning, monitoring, evaluation and accountability processes of the HOPE Governance Programme.

It explained that CSOs possess valuable technical expertise, grassroots networks and independent oversight capacity that can complement government efforts by promoting citizen participation, monitoring project implementation and ensuring adherence to governance standards.

According to the group, effective monitoring and evaluation backed by independent civil society participation would promote prudent management of public resources, guarantee timely implementation of reform activities and ensure compliance with internationally accepted principles of transparency and accountability.

FENRAD further called on the Abia State Government to establish regular stakeholder engagement forums, publish periodic implementation progress reports, guarantee public access to relevant information and maintain open communication channels that enable citizens to contribute meaningfully to the governance reform process.

The organisation reaffirmed its readiness to collaborate with the state government and other relevant institutions by providing technical support in civic engagement, transparency initiatives, social accountability, policy advocacy, monitoring and evaluation, as well as independent oversight.

It reiterated its commitment to advancing good governance, strengthening democratic institutions, promoting responsible public resource management and fostering governance systems that are inclusive, transparent and people-centred.

Congratulating the government and people of Abia State on the milestone, FENRAD expressed optimism that the World Bank-supported intervention would serve as a catalyst for deeper governance reforms, improved public sector performance and sustainable socio-economic development across the state.