By Suleiman Abubakar MAPSA
The Nasarawa State House of Assembly, through its Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring accountability and effective resource management across the state’s 13 Local Government Areas (LGAs). During an interactive session held on Monday at the Assembly complex in Lafia, the committee emphasized its constitutional role in overseeing local government expenditures to promote grassroots development.
The Chairman of the committee, Hon. Musa Abubakar Ibrahim, stated that the Assembly would not tolerate the mismanagement of local government funds, noting that the LGAs have a cumulative balance of six billion naira, with 2.4 billion naira earmarked for salaries, pensions, and related expenses.
“This oversight function is not a witch hunt but a constitutional obligation to ensure funds are utilized prudently for the benefit of the people,” he said.
He urged the LG Chairmen to prioritize fulfilling their campaign promises and delivering impactful projects at the grassroots level.
Hon. Safiyanu Isa Andaha, the State Chairman of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), pledged the LG Chairmen’s commitment to transparency and collaboration with the Assembly.
He assured that funds allocated to LGAs would be used judiciously and called for support and prayers to achieve their developmental goals.
The Assembly also emphasized that the LGAs now enjoy financial autonomy, allowing them to manage their resources independently.
Hon. Musa Abubakar Ibrahim reiterated that the Assembly's oversight is aimed at ensuring accountability and adherence to constitutional provisions.
The ALGON Chairman further expressed readiness for the Assembly's oversight functions, highlighting the importance of synergy between the LGAs and the legislative body.
Both parties committed to working together to enhance governance and improve the lives of the people at the grassroots.
