The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) National President, Hon. (Engr.) Bello Lawal, recently received a delegation from the National Counter Terrorism Center (NCTC) Office of the National Security Adviser. This meeting signifies a collaborative effort to enhance national security and implement effective counter-terrorism strategies. The partnership between ALGON and NCTC aims to leverage local governments' unique insights into community dynamics to inform counter-terrorism strategies. It is expected that by working together, they can develop targeted initiatives to prevent radicalization and terrorist activities, enhance capacity-building programmes for local government officials, and foster trust and cooperation between local communities and security agencies.

The collaboration between ALGON and NCTC is expected to contribute to a more effective and sustainable approach to counter-terrorism, enhancing national security and stability.

This partnership also aligns with ALGON's plans to work with development partners, such as USAID, PACE, UK AIDS, UNICEF, and others to enhance well-being in Nigeria's 774 Local Government Areas.

In attendance were Chief of Staff Hon. Shehu Jega, ALGON National Excos, including Hon. Engr Ikenna Adikibe-Imo, (DNP) Hon. Anani Hamisu Mohammed-Plateau, Hon. Ilyiasu Zakari-Niger, Hon. Ojo Oluwasegun-Ekiti, Hon. Aminu Jauro-Taraba, Hon Bukar Adamu-Yobe, Hon. Mohammad Dahiru Ambursa-Kebbi, Hon. Chief Isaiah Oworiedo Esivouwa-Delta, along with two Special Assistants, Hon. Chamo Bala Usman and Hon. Ibrahim Maje. Also present were the ALGON Director General, Barr Mrs Evan Enekwe, and representatives from NCTC, including Commodore Ahmad Madawaki, Ambassador Musa Abbas, Abu Michael, and Lieutenant Col Am Alkali, among others.

The meeting ended with both parties agreeing to build a lasting synergy for tangible security development leveraging on bottom up approach with, community engagement, intelligence gathering, kinetic and non kinetic approach and more.