The Jigawa State Government has approved a significant increase in the monthly honorarium for traditional ward heads, known as Maiunguwa, raising the allowance from ₦3,000 to ₦10,000. The decision, part of a broader strategy to strengthen local governance, was formally ratified by the State Executive Council during a meeting chaired by Governor Malam Umar A. Namadi.
This adjustment aims to enhance the welfare of these key grassroots officials and underscore the administration’s commitment to sustaining traditional structures. Governor Namadi highlighted that the move is consistent with his government’s inclusive development model, ensuring all segments of society contribute to and benefit from state progress.
Ward heads, or Maiunguwa, serve as the closest government representatives in rural communities across Jigawa. They act as intermediaries between the state and local populations, responsible for mobilizing communities, disseminating government policies, and providing informal leadership on issues ranging from security to social cohesion. Their role is particularly vital in a state where a significant portion of the population resides in villages and semi-urban settlements.
The previous monthly allowance of ₦3,000 had remained static for years, a sum widely regarded as insufficient to support the administrative and social responsibilities associated with the position. The new ₦10,000 stipend represents a more than 200% increase, intended to improve the officials’ capacity to perform their duties effectively.
Governor Namadi emphasized that empowering traditional institutions is a deliberate policy to foster bottom-up development. “Ward heads are the foot soldiers of our traditional institution,” he stated. “They provide essential leadership at the grassroots and are instrumental in the implementation of government programmes for community development and well-being.”
This policy shift may set a precedent for other Nigerian states considering how best to integrate traditional authorities into modern administrative frameworks. By formally recognizing and supporting these roles, the Jigawa administration seeks to improve local service delivery, enhance community trust in government, and promote stability at the ward level.
The increment takes effect immediately, according to the state government’s statement, signaling a tangible step toward operationalizing its pledge to leave no group behind in Jigawa’s development agenda.
