Kaduna’s Missing OCDS Dataset
My attention has been drawn to a puzzling absence on the Open Contracting Partnership Data Registry – the absence of Kaduna’s OCDS dataset. Earlier this year, this same issue was informally discussed on a WhatsApp group dedicated to open contracting matters in the State. I eagerly sought answers, and to my delight, received a response that indicated the matter would be examined. While being enlisted on the OCDS data registry is not the sole measure of successful OCDS implementation, I believe it holds a special significance, especially for Kaduna, one of the pioneering states to embrace this reform. Let's take a look at the implications of the missing dataset , what steps could be taken and how we would rectify this situation.
Kaduna State earned its place in the forefront of open contracting when it decided to adopt the Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS). This standard is designed to enhance transparency, promote accountability, and reduce corruption in public procurement processes. It’s not just a digital transformation; it’s a commitment to a higher level of governance. The decision to embrace OCDS demonstrated a laudable dedication to openness and accountability.
The Puzzle of Missing Data:
However, despite this commitment, the absence of Kaduna’s OCDS dataset on the Open Contracting Partnership Data Registry raises questions. Why is the data missing? What factors might have contributed to this oversight, and is any action being taken to rectify it? These are important questions that demand answers.
Significance of OCDS Data Registry Inclusion:
Being included in the OCDS data registry is more than a symbolic gesture. It signifies a commitment to transparency and the provision of easily accessible data to the public. It serves as an assurance that the government is walking the talk, adhering to international best practices in procurement transparency, and facilitating citizen engagement in monitoring government contracts. For Kaduna, as one of the first states to adopt OCDS in Nigeria, it symbolizes a commitment to being a pioneer in the field of open contracting.
Potential Implications:
The absence of Kaduna’s OCDS dataset may have implications for the state’s reputation in open contracting circles. It COULD raise doubts about the state’s commitment to transparency and accountability in public procurement. Furthermore, it may hinder potential collaboration and support from organizations and partners dedicated to open contracting initiatives, we wouldn't want that.
Seeking Answers and Solutions:
I therefore call upon the relevant authorities to provide clarity on this matter. We seek to know why Kaduna’s OCDS dataset is missing from the registry and whether steps are being taken, or can be taken, to rectify this situation. Transparency and accountability are key pillars of good governance, and Kaduna’s commitment to OCDS should not go unrecognized at this crucial moment in history.
Kaduna’s journey into the world of open contracting is a commendable one. However, the absence of its OCDS dataset on the Open Contracting Partnership Data Registry raises questions that need answers. I hope that this article serves as a catalyst for action and that the state’s dedication to transparency and accountability is duly recognized and reflected in its inclusion on the OCDS data registry.
