…Links Nigeria’s Insecurity to Weak Local Government System.

 …Says Direct Allocation Will Eradicate Poverty.

 …Commends Tinubu’s Emergency Rule in Rivers State.

ABUJA: The Federal Government has yet to commence direct allocation to Local Government Areas (LGAs) due to ongoing procedural processes, according to Hon. Odunayo Ategbero, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON).

Ategbero disclosed that LGAs have been instructed to open accounts with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to facilitate the implementation of direct allocation. While the process is still underway, he commended the Federal Government for its efforts, citing the Supreme Court’s ruling on financial autonomy for local governments.

He assured that direct allocation would help alleviate poverty at the grassroots by granting local governments greater control over their finances and projects.

Ategbero acknowledged that while the journey towards full financial autonomy is not yet complete, steady progress is being made. He also criticized the current system where state governments conduct local government elections, arguing that it often results in selections rather than genuine democratic processes. However, he assured that ongoing constitutional amendments by the National Assembly would soon address this issue.

“We are happy with the president, and though we have not yet reached our goal, we are making steady progress,” he stated.

The ALGON chairman emphasized that direct allocation to LGAs would help eradicate extreme poverty at the grassroots level.

“If you look at the grassroots level, the level of abject poverty is alarming. But with this new arrangement, we are confident that we will eradicate and stamp out poverty,” he said.

Ategbero also advocated for removing the State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC) from the constitution and replacing it with a national body to oversee local government elections, ensuring a fairer process.

Ategbero linked Nigeria’s growing insecurity to the failure of the local government system. He argued that restoring local governments’ autonomy and involving traditional institutions in governance would significantly enhance security efforts.

“Unless and until we revisit the older system, addressing insecurity will remain a challenge,” he stressed.

He urged the government to integrate traditional rulers into the local government framework to strengthen grassroots security.

On the crisis in Rivers State, Ategbero commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for declaring a state of emergency in the state, stating that the intervention helped prevent a potential civil war.

Ategbero also addressed the claim of a fractional group to the ALGON Director General position, warning that any such claimants are impostors. He reaffirmed that ALGON has a clear leadership structure and dismissed any disputes over its leadership.

He expressed optimism that the Federal Government would continue implementing the Supreme Court’s ruling and strengthening local government administration.

“We are the umbrella body of the 774 local governments in Nigeria, and we will continue to support the president in ensuring that the local government system functions effectively,” he concluded.

The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Mohammed Ali Pate, has called for stronger collaboration among the three tiers of government to enhance primary healthcare delivery at the grassroots level.

During the National Stakeholders’ Engagement on Accelerating Primary Health Care in Nigeria, Professor Ali Pate emphasized the importance of local government autonomy in strengthening healthcare delivery.

Professor Pate stressed that primary healthcare goes beyond physical structures, requiring coordinated efforts among federal, state, and local governments. “Local governments will now play a greater role, but they cannot do it alone. Standards, funding mechanisms, and technical support must be harmonized to ensure sustainable healthcare delivery,” The minister stated.

Prof Pate commended key stakeholders, including Dr Faisal Shuaib and his team for their contributions to strengthening primary healthcare. He also said the Federal Government’s commitment to the “One Roof” policy, which seeks to streamline healthcare governance for improved service delivery.

Earlier, the Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr Muyi Aina reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to improving healthcare services across the country. He highlighted significant progress made over the past year, particularly in the Family Health Initiative which is now active in six states. Dr Aina noted that states like Gombe and Ekiti are piloting a financial management tool to enhance accountability and resource allocation in healthcare facilities. He also spoke about the newly launched Community-Based Health Worker Program aimed at revitalizing primary healthcare at the grassroots. He revealed that 842 new health care facilities have been completed, with plans are underway to build additional 3,000. “We must focus on strengthening what we have to ensure efficiency and sustainability, he noted.

The National President, Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Hon. (Engr.) Bello Lawal represented by the Chairman Taraba State ALGON, Alhaji Aminu Jauro Hassan assured stakeholders of the association’s commitment to primary healthcare delivery.  Alhaji Aminu who described the event as apt explained that financial autonomy is key to improving healthcare at the grassroots.

In a remark, The Country Director of the World Health Organization, Dr. Walter Molumbo reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to support the Federal Government in strengthening healthcare services in Nigeria.

The stakeholders meeting provided a platform for discussions on improving healthcare financing, governance, and service delivery.

On behalf of the National President of ALGON and the 774 Local Government Council Chairmen in the country, I want to thank the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare Prof Ali Pate and Executive Director of the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency Dr Muyi Aina for organizing this very important National Stakeholders Engagement on Accelerating Improvements in Primary Healthcare in Nigeria with Local Government Financial Autonomy.

The Hon Justice of the Supreme Court Emmanuel Akomaye Agim on the 11th of July 2024, delivered the Lead Judgement that confirmed the 774 Local Government Councils as the 3rd Tier of Government in the Nigeria Federation and mandated amongst others, that the 774 Local Government Councils shall directly receive their FAC funds to implement their Constitutional Mandate and Responsibilities as the 3rd Tier of Government in Nigeria.

These mandate and responsibilities include: -

1. For the 774 Local Government Health Authorities (LGHAs) to be responsible for the administration of all budgets and funds for PHCs services.

2. To undertake the building and renovation of all PHCs based on need.

3. To undertake recruitment, promotion, and discipline of all staff from level 1-6 as a baseline.

4. To have more and significant Local Government Council Chairmen membership in the rebranded State Primary Healthcare Governing Boards, to strengthen their capacity to influence decisions that are important for the effective administration of the peculiarities of their various Local Government Councils.

To achieve above, ALGON recognizes the importance of an elaborate Stakeholder engagement and collaboration for an improved Primary Healthcare service delivery across the country with no one left behind. 

The ALGON National Primary Healthcare Revitalization and Operationalization program (ANPH-ROP) Stakeholders Workshop which took place at the Presidential Villa Abuja on the 28th of August 2024, the ALGON Stakeholders Forum side event which took place during the 65th National Council on Health at the Mahammed Indimi Hall of the University of Maiduguri on the 20th November 2024 and today’s National Stakeholders Engagement on Accelerating Improvements in Primary Healthcare in Nigeria with Local Government Financial Autonomy, are all part of the stakeholders engagement process.

The 774 Local Government Councils Chairmen in Nigeria are ready to collaborate with all relevant stakeholders and showcase their leadership potentials and capabilities in the implementation of their constitutional mandate towards better governance at the Grassroot level across the country.

- Hon. (Dr.) Aminu Jauro Hassan, ALGON Chairman Taraba State Chapter and also the ALGON National Welfare Officer.

The silent battle against malnutrition in Nigeria is gaining new momentum. At the heart of this fight is the Nutrition 774 Initiative, which seeks to improve nutrition outcomes in every Local Government Area across the country.

The Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning (FMBEP), in collaboration with the Office of the Vice President with support from UNICEF and ALGON, organized a Stakeholders Validation Workshop to review and validate the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the Nutrition 774 (N-774) Initiative.

The Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Office of the Vice President, Senator Ibrahim Hassan reaffirmed the government’s commitment to tackling malnutrition through the Nutrition 774 Initiative.

Speaking at a two-day workshop on the Review and Finalize the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) of the N-774 Initiative in Abuja the nation’s capital, Senator Hassan emphasized the importance of finalizing the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to guide implementation across all 774 local government areas in Nigeria.

“This is about ensuring no child or community is left behind,” he said, emphasizing that ...multi-sectoral collaboration is critical for the initiative’s success. “From health and agriculture to education and social protection, every sector must play a role to combat the malnutrition crisis stunting the nation’s future”. He said.

He reiterated the Tinubu administration’s commitment to human capital development, with nutrition prioritized on the national agenda. “The Nutrition 774 framework aims to deliver high-impact, community-focused interventions at the grassroots level, backed by strong coordination among federal, state, and local governments, development partners, civil society, and the private sector”.

He urged stakeholders to ensure transparency, strong coordination, and accountability for the initiative’s success. Ministries, legislators, and other partners were called upon to align their efforts and allocate sufficient resources to nutrition.

The Special Assistant to the Vice President on Public Health, Uju Rochas-Anwukah emphasized the critical role of nutrition in national development, describing it as the foundation for a healthier and more productive society, underscoring the need for stronger efforts to bridge nutritional gaps across Nigeria.

“The Nutrition 774 initiative is a government-led, multi-sectoral effort aimed at strengthening governance, improving financing and fostering political commitment toward nutrition across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas”. It seeks to scale up evidence-based interventions across sectors such as health, education, agriculture, social protection, and Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH)”. She said.

Rochas-Anwukah highlighted that this approach recognizes that nutrition is a collective responsibility, not limited to one ministry or sector.

“Endorsed by the National Economic Council, Nutrition 774 is now positioned as a national priority in the administration’s agenda. A major milestone is the creation of a House Committee on Food and Nutrition at both federal and state levels to ensure sustained political commitment and legislative support for nutrition-related policies and budgets.

Recognizing Nigeria’s cultural diversity, Rochas-Anwukah stated that the initiative would be driven by local solutions tailored to the specific needs of each region. “The framework encourages ownership at the state and local government levels, using centralization mechanisms to reward progress”. She stressed that the initiative will leverage existing structures rather than create new ones to ensure faster and more sustainable results.

Rochas-Anwukah expressed gratitude to Vice President Kashim Shettima for his leadership as Chair of the National Council on Nutrition and appreciated the contributions of various ministries, development partners, donor organizations, and private sector stakeholders.

She urged all stakeholders to move from planning to action, emphasizing that the initiative is not just about protocols but about unlocking the potential of every Nigerian child and family.

The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Emeka Vitalis who spoke virtually emphasized the need for holistic implementation and accountability in Nigeria’s nutrition interventions, highlighting the critical role of nutrition in fostering economic resilience and achieving key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as good health and well-being.

“The Nutrition 774 Initiative, a flagship program of the administration led by Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, focuses on delivering sustainable nutrition interventions across all 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Nigeria”. He said.

Dr. Emeka explained that the initiative’s five-pillar structure aims to improve maternal and child health outcomes while driving the nation’s progress towards SDG 2 and SDG 3.

He also called for the development of clear guidelines and accountability mechanisms to ensure transparency and efficient service delivery at the local government level. He emphasized that collaboration with development partners, non-governmental organizations, and key stakeholders would be essential for the program’s success.

ALGON Chairmen invited were the National President, Hon. (Engr.) Bello Lawal who was ably represented by Hon. (Dr.) Aminu Jauro Hassan ALGON Chairman Taraba State, Hon. Iliyasu Zakari Niger State, Hon. (Prof.) Abdurrahman Salim Lawal Jigawa State, ⁠Hon. Suleman Ahmed Toungo ALGON Chairman ⁠Adamawa, Hon. (Engr.) Adikibe Ikenna Anthony ALGON Chairman ⁠Imo State, Hon. Chinedu Ekeke ALGON Chairman ⁠Abia State, Hon. (Chief) Isaiah Onoriode Esiovwa ALGON Chairman Delta State, Hon. Kolade Alabi David ALGON Chairman Lagos State, Hon. Sikiru Sanda ALGON Chairman Oyo State, Hon. Maurice Orwough ALGON Chairman Benue State and Hon. (Dr.) Uwemedimo Udo ALGON Chairman Akwa Ibom State.

The workshop aims to finalize a blueprint for action that will deliver data-driven, community-focused interventions. The Deputy Chief of Staff expressed confidence that the SOP will mark significant progress in improving nutrition outcomes across the entire 774 Local Government Area of the country.

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...SHOWCASING AGAIE/NIGER STATE POTENTIAL ON GLOBAL STAGE.

The Executive Chairman of Agaie Local Government Area of Niger State, Hon. Sayuti Ibrahim Halilu has launched a brochure showcasing the rich cultural heritage, tourism attractions, and investment opportunities in Agaie Local Government Area and Niger State.

The brochure, tagged. “Endless Opportunities”, provides a comprehensive overview of the region’s history, geographical location, culture, traditions, and investment prospects.

One of the key highlights of the brochure is the Baro Port, a river port located in Agaie Local Government, which is poised to enhance intermodal transportation connectivity in Nigeria. Sayuti emphasized the importance of international investment in the Baro Port and Agaie Local Government, citing the numerous benefits and opportunities that await investors.

In line with the New Niger agenda, spearheaded by Farmer Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago aims to transform Niger State into a thriving economic hub. Sayuti’s brochure sheds light on why Niger State is poised to become a prime investment destination, highlighting its vast potential for growth and development.

The brochure is a valuable resource for investors, tourists, and anyone interested in learning more about the rich cultural heritage and economic potential of Agaie Local Government Area and Niger State, with its rich content and insightful analysis.

In another engagement, Sayuti and his team present campaign T-shirts to city mayors worldwide, encouraging them to support Minna’s bid making it a UNESCO city of literature by the Creative Arts Foundation to be headed by BM. Dzukogi.

Finally, the team explore collaboration and partnership between the two governments as Agaie/Niger State have a historic site where Date Palms have been cultivated since 1835, and remarkably, the same trees continue to produce fruits to this day also other parts of the State. Inspired by Al Ahsa’s reputation as the world largest producer of date palms, the team aspires to replicate the success in Niger State given Niger State’s vast arable land of over 76,363 square kilometers (about 10% of Nigeria’s total land area) and also the Agricultural landmark of the Executive Governor.

A One-Day training and interactive program was organized by MCI Management Consultants tagged NNPC LIMITED STAKEHOLDERS ENGAGEMENT WITH ASSOCIATION OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS OF NIGERIA (ALGON). The program is a pilot scheme which started from the North Central Zone with the following States and Chairmen in attendance: Plateau 7, Kwara 5, Niger 2, Benue 5, Kogi 21.

The program took place on the 4th of February 2025 at Royal Continental Hotel, Wuse Zone 4 with its objectives as follows:

1. Discuss the challenges of pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft.

2. Highlight the impact on the economy, environment and communities.

3. Emphasize the need for collaboration to address these challenges.

The ALGON National President, Hon.(Engr.) Bello Lawal was ably represented by the Niger State ALGON Chairman, Hon. Iliyasu Zakari.

A groundbreaking Compact Agreement (CA) was signed on Friday, 31st January 2025, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria's efforts to enhance birth registration and legal identity. The agreement, signed by NIMC, NPC, BARNKSFORTE, ALGON, and UNICEF, aims to establish a Strategic Framework for implementing birth registration and other legal identity initiatives in local governments across Nigeria.

The signatories, including ALGON National President Hon. (Engr) Bello Lawal, Dayo Bankole of Barnksforte, Dr. Ojogun Osifo DG NPC, and Dr. Sesay Ibrahim Country Director UNICEF, demonstrated their commitment to addressing the significant challenges in birth registration in Nigeria, where only about 30% of children under the age of 5 are registered, according to UNICEF.

Key Objectives of the Agreement:

- Improve Birth Registration: Enhance the birth registration process, making it more accessible and efficient.

- Promote Legal Identity: Strengthen legal identity initiatives, ensuring that every Nigerian child has access to essential services like education and healthcare.

- Support National Development: Contribute to Nigeria's national development goals, particularly in relation to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This landmark agreement marks a significant step forward in Nigeria's efforts to strengthen birth registration and legal identity, ultimately promoting the well-being and development of its citizens.

The NAF Conference Center Kado Abuja hosted a high-level workshop, led by ALGON National President Bello Lawal, to enhance the role of Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Legal Identity and Birth Registration.

This initiative brings together critical stakeholders, including the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), UNICEF, National Population Commission (NPC), National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), and BARNKSFORTE TECHNOLOGIES LTD.

In attendance were top ALGON executives, including Hon. Shehu Marshal, Hon. Zakari Ilyiasu ALGON Niger, Hon. Hanani Hamisu Mohammed ALGON Plateau, Hon. Lelei Tariyie Isaac, Hon. Isaiah Esiovwa ALGON Delta, Hon. Inyang Yibala Igri, Hon. Prof Abdurrahman Salim Lawal ALGON Jigawa, Jamilau Abubakar Dambatta ALGON Kano, Jamilau Abubakar Albani ALGON Kaduna, Hon. Dr Uwemedimo Udo ALGON Akwa Ibom, Hon. (Engr) Adikibe Ikenna Anthony ALGON Imo, ALGON Kwara, Hon. Abubakar Abdullahi, Hon. Ojo Oluwasegun ALGON Ekiti, Hon. Chinedu Ekeke ALGON Abia, Hon. Maurice Orwough ALGON Benue, Hon. Mohammad Dahiru ALGON Kebbi, Hon. Samaila Husani ALGON Zamfara, Hon. Safiyanu Isa ALGON Nasarawa, Hon Barr. Uburu Chinedu ALGON Ebonyi, Barr. (Mrs) Evan Enekwe Ag. Director General ALGON, Mallam Nuhu Ozigi FCA DFA ALGON, Chief Dimeji Lamuren DP&R ALGON amongst others.

Notable stakeholders from partner organizations include Dr. Ibrahim Sesay, UNICEF representative, Dr. Ojogun Osifo, Director General National Population Commission, represented by Moses Agada Emmanuel, and Chidera Ike-Okonkwo, Chief Legal Officer Barnksforte Technologies Ltd., Pharm. Mohammed Mohammed Deputy Director NPHCDA among others.

The workshop aimed to promote good governance, transparency, and accountability in local governments by enhancing the capacity of LGA officers to deliver excellent services, particularly in legal identity and birth registration. Key objectives include capacity building, transparency, and accountability, as well as improved service delivery.

Expected outcomes include strengthened institutional frameworks for legal identity and birth registration in LGAs, enhanced collaboration among LGAs, national institutions, and international organizations, and improved service delivery leading to better outcomes for citizens.

The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting good governance in local government areas (LGAs) through its partnership with the Partnership for Agile Governance and Climate Engagement (PACE) organization. This collaboration aims to enhance the capacity of the 774 LGAs officers and Area Councils in Nigeria.

In a closed-door meeting held in Abuja, ALGON National President, Hon. (Engr.) Bello Lawal, emphasized the importance of transparency, accountability, and sustainable fiscal quality in local governments. He commended PACE for initiating the programme, particularly in the area of budgeting, which has been a source of concern at the local government level.

The meeting focused on institutional assessment and local governance toolkit, championed by PACE, a governance programme funded by the United Kingdom Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office (UKFCDO). Hon. Lawal noted that ALGON has extensive partnerships with organizations providing assistance in enhancing the capacity of LGA leaders through training programmes, budgeting, and auditing.

Hon. Lawal, in his goodwill message, thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting local governments by revitalizing their administrative systems alongside the NGF’s, represented by Dr. Ahmad Abdulwahab. He also appreciated Mr. Tanimu Yakubu, the DG Budget Office, represented by Dr. Ado Mohammed, and the Judiciary during the strategic event.

The ALGON National President stated that the meeting’s framework and budgeting process aim to provide clear guidance on avoiding pitfalls and ensuring transparent administration by the LGA officers to deliver excellent services. He emphasized the essence of the programme, which is to ensure transparency, accountability, and sustainable fiscal quality assurance in local governments administration moving forward.

The meeting was attended by top local government leaders, EXCO members, and representatives from the Nigeria Governors Forum, PACE, and the Budget Office. The attendees included Hon. Moses Nomeh (Ebonyi), Shehu Jega Marshall (Kebbi), Dr. Aminu Jauro Hassan (Taraba), Ilyiasu Zakari (Niger), Isaiah Onoriode Esiovwa (Delta), Bukar Adamu (Yobe), Mahmoud Bamaji (Bauchi), Abubakar Abdullahi (Kwara), Abba Shehu Tambawal (Sokoto), Anani Hamisu (Plateau), Maurice Orwough (Benue), Ahmed Gangkuba (Adamawa), Akala Samuel (Nasarawa), and others.

ALGON’s management team, led by Barr. (Mrs.) Evan Enekwe, Ag. DG, Nuhu Salawu Ozigi, FCA, Lawal Ibrahim, Chief Venatus Okafor, and others, also attended the meeting. All parties agreed on the importance of domesticating the programme to ensure transparency, accountability, and sustainable fiscal quality assurance in local governments administration moving forward.