Niger State Ward Project Steering Committee Initiates Implementation of Ward Projects.
By Our Correspondent
Niger State is set to begin the implementation of its Ward Projects as the recently inaugurated Steering Committee convened a meeting to facilitate the disbursement of funds to the chairmen of ward projects in the twenty-five local government areas.
The meeting took place at the Conference Hall of the Office of the Special Adviser on Political Matters, where the local government ward project chairmen were advised to undertake projects that will have a direct impact on the populace.
The state’s Ward Projects Steering Committee is led by Hon. phalal Bako Commissioner for Rural and Community Development, Chairman, Other key members include the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Rural and Community Development, who serves as the Secretary of the committee; Hon. Mohammed Nma Kolo, the Special Adviser on Political Matters; and Yahuza Abdullahi, the Director General of Ward Services.
During the meeting, Hon. Binta Mamman urged the local government ward project chairmen to open accounts with Zenith Bank and ensure that both the chairmen and secretaries are designated as signatories.
Hon. Binta stated that the funds allocated from the ministry for ward projects will be processed through their respective local government committees’ bank accounts.
The Acting Chairman emphasized that these changes are part of a broader strategy to streamline operations, eliminate bureaucratic hurdles, and ensure that resources are allocated efficiently and transparently at the grassroots level.
She encouraged the ward project chairmen to practice transparency and accountability in their financial dealings, stressing that every allocated fund must correspond to the actual and pressing needs of the communities. “The government, and most importantly, the people will be watching with hope,” she remarked.
This initiative marks a significant step toward empowering local communities and fostering sustainable development across Niger State.
It is important to note that in a major move aimed at enhancing community development, Governor Mohammed Umar Bago has approved three million naira every month for each of the 274 wards in Niger State. This funding is designed to foster closer connections between the government and the populace.
Officials from the Ministry of Rural and Community Development were present to engage the chairmen of ward development projects on the guidelines for implementing these projects, including project selection and design, verification and approval processes, funding mechanisms, and implementation and monitoring.
