UK announces £12m funding to support open governance, transparency in Nigeria- The United Kingdom has pledged to support Nigeria with £12 million (N5.85 billion) - The fund will be used for strengthening Nigeria's commitment to open government and transparency - According to the UK government, Nigeria has made commendable progress since it became a member of the 70-member countries OGP in 2016 The government of the United Kingdom has approved £12 million (N5.85 billion) as support funding to help Nigeria strengthen its commitment to open governance and transparency. Speaking in Abuja at the opening of the 2018 Open Government Partnership (OGP) week, the UK ambassador to Nigeria, Paul Arkwright, said Nigeria has made commendable progress since it became a member of the 70-member countries OGP in 2016. Arkwright said the Nigerian government deserves the continued support of the UK with the level of progress and commitment it has made in open governance - a process which engages civil society and the citizens’ in a transparent and accountable partnership to promote democratic, equal, sustainable and prosperous society. READ ALSO: Saraki visits EFCC's new headquarters in Abuja (photos) The UK ambassador, further urged state governments to emulate the practice of open government in their various states. He said the efforts of the UK government is to encourage Nigeria and its people especially the leadership to engage, reform and learn about open government. Arkwright said: “UK and Nigeria has a fledging partnership. Nigeria’s decision to join the OGP not only sends a strong signal about the way it sees the inherent value in openness in civil society and government working together, but also a strong national and global message and commitment to tackling corruption. “Nigeria’s progress has been very commendable. The OGP self-assessment report indicates reforms in the country’s first national action plan are on track. Citizens’ engagement in the federal budget process has been strengthened by the timely release of budget information and consultations with civil society organisations." PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigeria’s #1 news app Legit.ng earlier reported that Arkwright had commended YIAGA Africa and young Nigerians for securing the passage of the age reduction bill, popularly referred to as #NotTooYoungToRun bill. Arkwright speaking at the Commonwealth Big Lunch event said the event in Nigeria is themed around youths who are important to the Commonwealth as 60% of Commonwealth Nations citizens are below 30 years of age. He said 40% of the world youth live in Commonwealth countries and 1 billion people living in Commonwealth countries are under 25 years of age. Not Too Young to Run Bill: Nigerian youths march to Aso Rock in support on Legit.ng TV Source: Legit.ng - The United Kingdom has pledged to support Nigeria with £12 million (N5.85 billion) - The fund will be used for strengthening Nigeria's commitment to open government and transparency - According to the UK government, Nigeria has made commendable progress since it became a member of the 70-member countries OGP in 2016 READ ALSO: PAY ATTENTION: Legit.ng