By: Hassan Turaki.
The Jigawa State Steering Committee on the Polling Unit Development Fund has paid advocacy visits to the Emirates of Kazaure and Gumel as part of efforts to secure royal support for the successful implementation of the programme.
The Committee, chaired by the Commissioner for Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Ibrahim Garba Hannun-Giwa, said the initiative is aimed at reviving grassroots development and bringing governance closer to the people.
Speaking during the visits, Hannun-Giwa said the Jigawa State Government under Governor Umar A. Namadi, FCA, has restructured the Polling Unit Fund to align with modern governance standards.
He explained that a minimum of ₦200,000 will be disbursed to each of the 4,522 polling units across 287 wards in the state to address critical community needs directly.
To ensure transparency and accountability, the Commissioner noted that key institutions including the Ministry of Justice, Office of the State Auditor-General, Local Government Auditor-General, and Office of the State Accountant-General have been incorporated into the new framework.
He added that professionals in finance, information technology, and digital systems will also be involved in the process.
The Committee has also commenced statewide stakeholder engagement across all 27 Local Government Areas to sensitize actors and gather inputs ahead of the rollout.
At the Kazaure Emirate, the Emir, His Royal Highness Alhaji Najib Hussaini Adamu, commended the state government for the initiative, saying it will enhance grassroots participation in governance.
He however urged Local Government authorities not to abdicate their statutory responsibilities and emphasized the need for community ownership and maintenance of government infrastructure.
In Gumel, the Emir, His Royal Highness Alhaji (Dr.) Ahmed Muhammad Sani, CON, represented by the Galadiman Gumel, Alhaji Usman Maje Muhammad, also pledged the Emirate Council’s full support for programmes that improve the welfare of the people.
Following the royal visits, the Committee held a joint engagement with stakeholders from 12 Local Government Areas in the North-West zone of the state.
