By LUCY CHINDABA
In a bid to enhance transparency and accountability in Plateau State’s public service, the Plateau State Government recently organised a five-day technical workshop in collaboration with International IDEA and with support from RoLAC.
The workshop, aimed at developing a comprehensive policy to embed integrity and accountability in public service delivery, brought together key stakeholders across the state to deliberate on strategies for good governance.
The Head of Plateau State Civil Service, represented by Mr. Danjuma John Damenkyap, at the opening ceremony held at Crispan Hotel, explained that the workshop was designed to create a robust framework guiding the actions and decisions of public institutions. He emphasised that effective governance went beyond rules and regulations, highlighting the need to build a culture of integrity where accountability was not just expected but ingrained in public service.
He stated, “The integrity and accountability policy we are set to create will serve as a comprehensive strategy for managing our public service delivery processes. This framework will empower our institutions to operate with transparency so that our people are informed and engaged in the decision-making processes that affect their lives.”
The Head of Service further noted: “Today, we stand at a crossroads; the choices we make in this workshop will resonate for generations to come. Let us seize this opportunity to strengthen our commitment to good governance. Together, we can build a Plateau State where citizens feel empowered and valued, where public servants are held to the highest standard of conduct, and where trust in our institutions is restored and reinforced.”
In his opening remarks, Mr. Pwanakei Mantim Dala drew attention to the current challenges in the state’s public sector, including health, education, procurement, housing and infrastructure, citing transparency and accountability gaps as major contributors.
He reflected on past governance practices, saying, “Education was free for some, almost free. Provision of basic amenities, roads, healthcare, and other services were better before, perhaps because the systems of accountability, checks and balances, and openness were stronger than today.”
He urged participants to consider how these challenges could be addressed moving forward: “The question I want to ask ourselves is, should we continue like this? I think the answer is clear. Every one of us would agree that we need change. Since the state government approached the European Union for support, this is part of a larger effort to strengthen systems across all sectors of governance.”
Prof. Adam Chidi-Igbokwe, a facilitator at the workshop, explained that the state government’s strategic plans focus on infrastructure, economic diversification, peace and security, quality of life and open government. She clarified, “The integrity and accountability strategy is not about catching people stealing money. It is a platform to bring together all reforms being implemented in isolation, identify gaps, and ensure they are addressed comprehensively. The strategy is a policy, not a law, and aims to integrate stakeholders across every sector of Plateau State.”
The five-day workshop is expected to produce a framework that will guide public institutions in making decisions that are transparent, accountable and citizen-focused, reinforcing the state government’s commitment to building a Plateau where trust, efficiency and integrity define public service.