The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) has called for the swift implementation of local government autonomy to enhance governance at the grassroots level across the country.<\/p>\n
Speaking at the 2nd Quarter Stakeholders and Citizens Engagement Forum organised by the Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs in Abuja, ALGON National President, Mr. Bello Lawal, represented by Mr. Emmanuel Akala, commended President Bola Tinubu for initiating the autonomy process.<\/p>\n
Lawal emphasised that local governments are the closest tier to the people and should be empowered to function effectively.<\/p>\n
\u201cEvery Nigerian resides in a local government, not at the state or federal level,\u201d he stated, urging the implementation committee to fast-track action on the Supreme Court\u2019s judgment on direct funding for local governments.<\/p>\n
Highlighting ALGON\u2019s ongoing efforts, Lawal noted initiatives such as the ALGON Primary Healthcare Revitalisation Programme, which aims to make primary healthcare centres the first point of medical access for citizens, reduce maternal mortality, and improve healthcare delivery for women and children.<\/p>\n
Additionally, ALGON is driving a National Integrated Local Government System to digitise the registration of births, deaths, marriages, and indigenisation processes.<\/p>\n
During the forum, Chief Obinna Nwaka, Director-General of the Committee of Youth on Mobilisation and Sensitisation (CYMS), called for the rehabilitation of the National Merit House, commenting on the condition of the building not being conducive for high-profile national events.<\/p>\n
He also raised concerns of impersonation occurring within the context of the National Merit Award nomination and noted that the CYMS\u2019s role is that of monitoring projects and the implementation of policies.<\/p>\n
Alhaji Abdulrahman Marafa, President of the Forum of Heads of Local Government Administration in Nigeria, represented by Mr. Attahiru Ibrahim, advised the ministry to consider involving grassroots administrators in project monitoring and evaluation processes as they will have the technical knowledge on local issues, which is pertinent.<\/p>\n
Responding to the issues raised, Mrs. Mercy Musa, Acting Secretary of the Nigerian National Merit Award, explained that the award nominations were free and as transparent as possible to the public. Advertisements were run annually, and if my understanding holds true, the nominations were done by independent experts..<\/p>\n
In his remarks, Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Mr. Zaphaniah Jisalo, represented by Permanent Secretary Dr. Onwusoro Maduka, stated that the engagement forum was designed to deepen stakeholders’ participation and strengthen collaboration to ensure effective project implementation and value for money at the grassroots.<\/p>\n
He assured stakeholders of the ministry\u2019s commitment to inclusive and evidence-based approaches to improving citizens\u2019 lives through health, infrastructure, and education.<\/p>\n