From Yakubu Mustapha Minna
The newly sworn in Niger state Commissioner of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mu’azu Hamidu Jantabo has said that the 25 councils will be repositioned to enable them have sufficient funds for effective and efficient service delivery.
He made this known while addressing Journalists immediately after assumption of office in the ministry, Minna, saying that this is the only way to ensure meaningful development at the grassroots levels in the state.
Jantabo who is the former chairman of Lapai local government has identified inadequate funds as the major challenge confronting the local councils in the state.
According to him, the joint account is the greatest thing that has happened to some local governments because without joint account about 15 councils will not be viable in Niger state.
The Commissioner stated that joint account is being guided by the law including the sharing formula as its product, assured to operate within the guiding principles of the law to enhanced accountability and transparency in all ramifications.
He maintained that the traditional rulers will be fully involved in the administration of the councils and the vigilantes to be adequately empowered to ensure security of lives and properties at the local levels in Niger state.
Jantabo revealed that measures would be taking to improve the local government Internal Generated Revenue (IGR) through synergy by addressing some of the bottleneck just as the state government has passed a harmonized revenue laws by the state house of assembly to ensuring its progress.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Alhaji Abubakar Aliyu assured the commissioner of ministry’s staff unflinching support and assistance in ensuring the success of his administration and that of the entire state.