The Federal Government of Nigeria has verified and certified over 110 constituency and zonal intervention projects across the country’s six geo-political zones. This was disclosed by the Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Zaphaniah Jisalo, at the third quarter Stakeholders’ and Citizens’ Engagement Forum in Abuja. The projects include school renovations, borehole installations, agricultural empowerment initiatives, medical outreaches, and street lighting, which have directly impacted communities and improved access to basic services.
The minister highlighted the deployment of the PMIS-GIS Data logger for monitoring zonal and constituency projects, as well as the inspection of Federal Executive Council-approved projects under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. Additionally, six jetties have been verified by the Presidential Standing Committee on Private Jetties. The minister also revealed that over 3,500 Nigerians have applied for the National Honours Award as of November 2024, with applications being screened and forwarded to the president for approval.
The minister pledged to strengthen state and local governance through intergovernmental collaboration, deepen inclusive development via partnerships with the private sector and international stakeholders, and ensure transparency and accountability in all interventions. The ministry also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting artisans and technicians through vocational training, intergovernmental collaboration, and digital empowerment.
During the forum, the Chairman of Abaji Area Council, Abubakar Abdullahi, appealed for federal government intervention in curbing illegal mining in communities in the FCT, citing displacement of residents and financial strain on area councils. The Philippine Ambassador to Nigeria, Mersole Mellejor, congratulated Nigeria ahead of its 65th Independence Day and commended the ministry for fostering accountability. The Director-General of the Committee of Youth on Mobilisation and Sensitisation, Chief Obinna Nwaka, lauded the ministry’s response to welfare and training concerns, calling for greater inclusion of security agencies and stakeholders in monitoring approved projects.
The forum ended with renewed calls for the government to engage more deeply with grassroots communities to sustain development and address pressing local challenges. The verification of constituency and zonal intervention projects demonstrates the federal government’s efforts to promote inclusive governance and improve the lives of Nigerians. As the country approaches its 65th Independence Day, the government’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and grassroots engagement is crucial for sustainable development and addressing the needs of local communities.
