The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) successfully concluded its 51st National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on December 14, 2024, at the Hillside Royal Hotel in Katsina State. The meeting, which brought together key stakeholders from across the country, resulted in significant resolutions aimed at enhancing local governance in Nigeria, according to a Communiqué issued at the end of the meeting.
The NEC expressed its profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support in empowering local governments to fulfill their constitutional mandates. “We are deeply appreciative of President Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening local governance,” stated Hon. Hamisu Anani Mohammed, the National Publicity Secretary of ALGON on behalf of the members communiqué committee.
The judiciary was commended for its pivotal role in entrenching a viable local government system that aligns with the popular will of the masses. The ALGON NEC acknowledged the judiciary’s efforts in ensuring that local governments operate within the framework of the law, thereby promoting stability and accountability.
The NEC also lauded the efforts of state Governors and the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) in conducting elections across local government areas. With over 30 states now having democratically elected chairmen, the NEC urged the remaining states to follow suit to fully realize a people-oriented system as envisioned by President Tinubu.
“We appreciate the Governors for the uninterrupted access given to the Chairmen to run their local councils, ensuring that democratic dividends reach the people,” said Hon. Mohammed.
Reaffirming its dedication to good governance, the NEC pledged to deepen its relationship with stakeholders, promoting transparency, accountability, innovative service, and uniformity in service delivery at the grassroots level. Effective communication and community engagement were highlighted as bedrocks for open governance.
The NEC congratulated Governors Monday Okpebholo of Edo State and Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State on their recent elections. The Executive Governor of Katsina State, Mallam (Engr) Dikko Umar Radda (CON), was also thanked for hosting the 51st NEC Zonal meeting.
In promoting health and wellness, the NEC appreciated the ALGON President and the Executive Committee for their efforts in engaging development partners on primary health, disease control, and other health safety nets. “The strength of every society lies in the health of its citizenry,” the communiqué emphasized.
The NEC expressed confidence in the new National President, Hon. Engr. Bello Lawal, and his Executive Committee, describing their journey so far as encouraging, focused, and innovative. Members across the 774 local governments were encouraged to activate strategies for effective resource management and to remain inspired by the judgment and performance appraisals of their constituents.
The ALGON NEC promised to continue strengthening its engagement with multisectoral organizations, showcasing the rich economic potentials of local governments, and promoting peacebuilding to attract investments and encourage income generation with service delivery.
The meeting concluded with a strong commitment to fostering robust relationships with all stakeholders to ensure that local governance in Nigeria continues to thrive and deliver on its promises to the people.
