The Kaduna Local Government Accountability Mechanism (Kad-LGAM), in collaboration with Community Development Charter (CDC) champions, has conducted a project monitoring and budget sensitisation in Jema’a Local Government Area, Kaduna State.

The exercise involved project monitoring and budget tracking across selected communities and wards as well as budget sensitisation and citizen engagement.

The monitoring exercise aimed to track the implementation of projects in the 2025/2026 Jema’a local government budget and determine whether they meet community needs and approved specifications.

Speaking to community members in Atuku ward, CDC Champions team leader Godwin Kumai stressed the need to hold the government accountable for executing projects.

Mr Kumai said CDC Champions are committed to creating awareness and enlightening residents and community members on the importance of government accountability and effective service delivery.

“CDC champions seek to empower citizens with the knowledge and tools necessary to monitor government policies, programmes, budgets and projects and to demand transparency and accountability from public officials,” he said.

On his part, Bulus Musa, the acting District Head of Tafan/Takad, appreciated the CDC champions for visiting his community for the sensitisation.

Mr Musa lamented the abandoned water and bridge construction projects that were awarded but never completed.

He, however, expressed optimism that with the CDC sensitisation, the local government would address their plight.

During the engagement, Iliyasu Musa, the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) Secretary in Jema’a Local Government, expressed dissatisfaction with the poor level of representation by public officials.

Mr Musa lamented the inconsistency of political leaders in discharging their duties and the mandate the people gave them.

“The consequences of poor representation have brought about the poor level of accountability in government,” he said.

In his submission, Ben Yashim, representing the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the area, maintained that the primary purpose of government is to execute the will of the people.

Mr Yashim said budget implementation would be easier and smoother if elected councillors checked implementation and kept the chairman on his toes.

The representatives of the citizens agreed that it was necessary to invite the local government chairman and his team for an engagement on budget implementation, using the work plan as a guide. 

(NAN)